Total Pro Sports
The Buffalo Bills made a surprise move as they gear up for the playoffs. On December 30, the team announced it brought wide receiver Mecole Hardman back to the practice squad. The move surprised many because Buffalo had just released him days earlier.
The Bills cut Hardman one day before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, they are bringing him back just before the final regular-season game and the start of the playoffs. The timing shows Buffalo wants experienced players as the pressure increases.
Hardman brings plenty of big-game experience. He won three Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs and once caught a game-winning touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. The Bills believe that kind of playoff experience can help when the games matter most.
Buffalo first added Mecole Hardman to the practice squad in November after failing to make a move at the trade deadline. General manager Brandon Beane said the team tried hard to find more help for Josh Allen but could not find a trade partner.
Hardman made an impact right away. He returned a kickoff 61 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Later in that game, he fumbled a punt and got hurt, which sent him to injured reserve.
He came back in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns but did not see a single target. The Bills released him again a few days later. Now, the 27-year-old is back once more as Buffalo prepares for the playoffs.
Re-signed WR Mecole Hardman Jr. to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/HeDKh5Sjtm
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 30, 2025
Hardman may not have a big role. Ray Davis has taken over kick returns, and Gabe Davis is back in the starting lineup. Even so, Hardman’s speed and playoff experience give the team extra depth.
Bills have used this strategy before and seen results. The team signed Brandin Cooks off waivers in November, and he made an impact late in the season. They also recently signed Matthew Judon after the Dolphins released him. Against the Eagles, Cooks caught six passes for 101 yards, including a 50-yard gain. He said staying ready allowed him to deliver when the team needed him.
“I just think the daily approach,” Cooks said. “Every single day, going to work and knowing at some point it’s going to come.”
Cooks also spoke about the team’s attitude. The Buffalo Bills scored twice in the final five minutes after a quiet offensive day. They went for two to win and fell short when Allen missed Khalil Shakir.
“This team is a bunch of resilient guys,” Cooks said. “We never feel like we’re out of it.”
Now Buffalo brings Hardman back again. The team hopes his playoff experience can help when actually every play matters.
