Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy Re-Enters Lineup Against Arkansas
The running back took the field after a metal rod was inserted into his femur following a May shooting in Mississippi.
By Fatima Popov ·
Ahmad Hardy entered the field for the No. 23 Missouri Tigers on Saturday night in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His return to active play came nearly six months after he was wounded in the leg during a shooting at an outdoor concert.
Hardy, who is 20 years old, needed surgical intervention to repair the injury. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz stated this week that a metal rod was placed in the running back's femur. Few details have been released regarding the full extent of his injuries.
The incident occurred on May 10 in Laurel, Mississippi. Hardy was attending a concert as a bystander when he was shot. Police charged a suspect with two felony counts of aggravated assault in connection with the crime.
During Hardy's absence, senior Jamal Roberts has handled the primary rushing workload for the Tigers. Roberts entered the weekend with 867 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards per game at 123.9.
Hardy established a school record with 16 touchdowns and 1,649 rushing yards during the 2025 season. He faced the Razorbacks in the previous year's contest, where he rushed 27 times for 157 yards and a touchdown in a 31-17 Missouri victory.
The running back took the field late in the first quarter on Saturday. Missouri fans offered an ovation as he joined the game.
Source: Newsday
