Ahmad Hardy returning to practice ‘this week’, per Eli Drinkwitz
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Ahmad Hardy is returning to the practice fields.
More than five months after he suffered a gunshot wound to his upper leg during a May concert, the star Mizzou running back is headed back to practice ahead of the Tigers’ Week 9 game at Arkansas.
“After consulting with our medical team, Ahmad Hardy will return to practice this week,” Eli Drinkwitz said in a statement. “Our medical staff will determine his return to game action.”
Obviously, Hardy will not play against the Razorbacks. After months not practicing with the team, he’ll need time to get back to game readiness.
But Sunday’s news marks the biggest step yet toward Hardy’s comeback. After transferring from Louisiana-Monroe, where he ran for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024 as a true freshman, he became an instant sensation at Mizzou. His 1,649 rushing yards in 2025 led the SEC and ranked second nationally.
He was considered a possible Heisman Trophy candidate coming into 2026 and a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. But those plans have been put on hold as he focuses on a full recovery.
The Tigers haven’t missed a beat in the running game with Hardy out. Jamal Roberts has totaled 867 yards, second in the SEC and seventh most in FBS.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
