Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy suffered a gunshot wound during a concert in Mississippi over the weekend. According to Mississippi authorities, the shooting occurred around 2 a.m. after a rap concert at Laurel’s Kamakazy Biker Club. Several people were reportedly injured, and police have questioned multiple individuals following the incident.
The good news is that Hardy is reportedly stable after surgery, but questions naturally arose whether he will be able to play in the 2026 college football season.
Will Ahmad Hardy Return This Season?
According to ESPN Insider Pete Thamel, Ahmad Hardy was released from hospital on Tuesday after being shot in the upper leg on early Sunday morning. He is reportedly planning to head to Missouri’s campus as he aims to play this year.
On the other hand, Missouri has not provided any solid timeline for Hardy’s return to the field.
“Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans,” the statement from the Missouri football program said. “We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support. A timeline for his return to football activities is unknown at this time.”
Hardy’s return will depend a lot on the severity of the injury, rehabilitation progress, and medical clearance over the coming months. Since the shot was on the upper leg, the recovery time could vary a lot as rehabilitation would depend on muscle, nerve, or vascular damage sustained during the shooting.
Hardy’s value to the Tigers can’t be overstated. The former Louisiana-Monroe transfer was one of the nation’s top running backs last season. He rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns. He secured a place in first-team All-American and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz also seemed impressed with Hardy’s talents outside the football field.
“For us at the running back position — Jamal Roberts, Mr. Dependable. Ahmad Hardy comes along, teaches his teammates how to ride a horse,” Drinkwitz said. “AJ — the outside zone — it’s been impressive to watch him on Twitter riding horses as much as it’s been impressive to watch him on film. He does an excellent job with both.”
It remains to be seen if Missouri will be able to field Hardy in 2026.
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