The Green Bay Packers had some important decisions to make on Tuesday, just like all other NFL teams. The biggest focus for the Packers was their wide receiver room and the choices they were going to make there. MeCole Hardman was released after a sloppy preseason.
“Hardman was already descending the depth chart even before the game, but his performance didn't help matters at all. Chiefs fans will remember well how Hardman would decide to field punts inside the five-yard line, and he did the same for the Packers on a bizarre preseason decision that infuriated Packers faithful. Even worse was the fact that Hardman dropped a pass, when given few opportunities in the first place, and then muffed another punt return opportunity,” Arrowhead Addict’s Matt Conner wrote.
There had been speculation that Hardman would be cut by the Packers, and it was evident from the very first preseason game.
“Based on his performance in Green Bay's preseason opener, though, Hardman could start the 2025 season looking for work,” Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport wrote. “But Hardman has never come especially close to living up to his draft slot. And on a Packers team loaded with young talent at wide receiver, he has no margin to make the sort of errors he made in his Green Bay debut.”
Hardman was signed to the practice squad, however, and there is reason to believe he will be elevated following some injury news.
“Considering Jayden Reed's injury, the Packers almost certainly have to elevate Mecole Hardman to return punts to start the season,” Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Reed is playing through an injury that requires surgery, which is the sole reason Hardman might find his way back onto the 53-man roster.
“Jayden Reed is going to play through a fracture in his foot that usually requires surgery and months of recovery,” Kruse wrote.
Hardman didn’t have the best luck on special teams during the preseason, but he can prove himself with the opportunities he may get during the regular season. It remains uncertain how the Packers will handle Reed, but Hardman could benefit from the situation. This could be a crucial second chance to save his career.