Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman placed on IR | KCSN Daily 11.17
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The Chiefs announced on Thursday that they have placed fourth-year WR Mecole Hardman on injured reserve with an abdomen injury. He’ll be out for a minimum of four games per NFL rules, meaning he’ll miss games against the Chargers, Rams, Bengals and Broncos. He’ll be eligible to be designated to return in Week 15 against the Texans, but it’s possible he could be out even longer if necessary. Hardman is expected to return again this season, it’ll just be a matter of how quickly he can get healthy.
So far this season, Hardman has recorded 25 receptions for 297 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He also has four carries for 32 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He’s been one of the team’s biggest weapons in the red zone, which will certainly be missed during his absence.
Between Hardman’s placement on IR and JuJu Smith-Schuster’s concussion, the acquisition of Kadarius Toney at the trade deadline is looking better by the day. Toney already filled in for Hardman in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it looks like he’ll continue to assume more of that role on offense over the next few weeks.
Defensive Breakdown: How Chiefs linebackers have improved throughout the season
Former Chiefs All-Pro Linebacker Derrick Johnson breaks down the defensive film from past Chiefs games highlighting the improved linebacker play from the past couple of games.
Thursday Injury Report:
Chiefs:
DNP: CB Chris Lammons (Concussion) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Concussion).
LP: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Illness), CB L’Jarius Sneed (Knee), and RB Jerick McKinnon (Shoulder/Hamstring).
FP: RT Andrew Wylie (Elbow) and RB Isiah Pacheco (Quad).
Chargers:
DNP: K Dustin Hopkins (Hamstring) and P JK Scott (Illness).
LP: WR Deandre Carter (Ribs), TE Gerald Everett (Groin), OT Trey Pipkins (Knee), OLB Chris Rumph II (Knee), WR Keenan Allen (Hamstring), and Mike Williams (Ankle).
FP: OLB Khalil Mack (NIR-Rest).
Key:
DNP (Did Not Participate), LP (Limited Participant), FP (Full Participant), NIR (Not Injury Related).
Notes:
The Chiefs are not required to list the practice status of OT Lucas Niang until he’s been activated to the 53-man roster.
KCSN Update:
KCSN’s Tucker Franklin sits down with RGR Football's Ryan Tracy to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs' upcoming matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers and how the Chiefs can exploit the Chargers' biggest weakness.
Quotable:
“Well, it’s like you just did. When Michael Jordan was scoring 60 points (laughter) it’s like, ‘Ok, I’m covering him but what else can I do?’ You know? You’re right there in his face, you’re right into his chest. It’s only great coverage if you can get the ball out and so my process for these young men to grasp is to not only be in position to make the plays but then once you’re in position can you complete the assignment and own those throws. Although the ball may have been placed in a certain radius, I have to teach these young men to get in a position to make that play. It’s a lot easier when you’re going one hand to glove a football versus trying to go two hands. Even that right there, the extension is different and so it’s trying to teach them all the little, small details – which is the NFL, (it’s) 90% mental. Where we all have a couple friends back home who runs a nice 40, can jump, but do they have the mental capacity to understand what we’re trying to teach them and then go out and execute? Not many guys can and that’s why they’re not where these young players are today – in the NFL. We’re getting better.” - Dave Merritt on what he tells corners who are in perfect coverage, but the pass made is just better
"One of our biggest things, we always want to get the best people who happen to be good football players. So team chemistry goes a long way. Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) is one of those guys. Now obviously, he hasn't had many opportunities as of late, but he's still a part of this team. He knows how important it is to make sure that backs keep their confidence level up. He's had his unfortunate incidents that have happened in the past. One thing that we don't shy away from that we want those guys to understand is mistakes happen. We don't want them to happen very often, but they happen. Life happens. Now, we're just not going to put you to the side. Now, get back out there and show what you can do to regain your confidence. That just goes to show you, not just the chemistry and the people we have, but also the culture which has been established here.” - Eric Bieniemy on Isiah Pacheco’s fumble and CEH’s lack of usage in Week 10
Quick hits:
From Mr. 100: Chiefs DE Carlos Dunlap was mic’d up for his 100th career sack in Week 10 against the Jaguars. It was pretty cool to watch and hear the reaction from his teammates.
From New Heights: Travis Kelce was raving about new Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney on his podcast. He had high praise for Brett Veach for finding a way to bring him to Kansas City and was at a loss for words for New York letting Toney leave.
From Dr. Duvernay-Tardif: Former Chiefs sixth-round draft pick Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is back in the league after completing his medical residency. He’s re-signing with the New York Jets, returning to where he was traded last season.
Important dates ahead:
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7:20 p.m. CT - Week 11: Chiefs vs. Chargers - SoFi Stadium - Inglewood, CA
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