Missouri star running back Ahmad Hardy will miss the season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on September 3 as he recovers from a gunshot wound sustained in May. Coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Hardy hasn't progressed enough to practice fully, and he needs to complete two weeks of full-speed workouts before returning to games. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, with Drinkwitz unsure whether it will be mid-September or mid-October. Hardy, a consensus All-American last season, had surgery after the shooting, which complicated his recovery process.

By the Numbers
  • Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
  • Jamal Roberts, who will start in his place, rushed for 753 yards and six touchdowns last season.
State of Play
  • Hardy is in the rehabilitation phase but has not returned to practice.
  • Missouri will rely on senior Jamal Roberts to fill in as the primary running back.
What's Next

As Hardy continues his rehab, his potential return will depend on successful completion of practice drills, with significant games against Kansas and Mississippi State on the horizon. If he can resume full practice soon, he may rejoin the team later in September or October.

Bottom Line

Hardy’s absence creates a considerable void in Missouri's offense, and while Roberts shows promise, the team's overall performance may be impacted until Hardy can return to the field and replicate his standout production.