With Mizzou Football’s fall camp now officially underway, one of the biggest storylines surrounding Eli Drinkwitz’s Tigers remains the availability of star running back Ahmad Hardy.
The All-American running back is still working his way back after suffering a gunshot wound in May, and while his recovery appears to be moving in a positive direction, he has yet to return to full football activity.
Drinkwitz indicated that Hardy was not expected to participate fully during the opening week of camp as the program continues to carefully manage his rehabilitation.
According to Drinkwitz, Hardy’s recovery has remained largely on the same timetable over the past couple of weeks.
Rather than taking part in regular practices, the talented running back is participating in rehabilitation walkthroughs designed to gradually reacclimate him to the physical and mental demands of playing football.
Drinkwitz said there would be no immediate change to Hardy’s current plan, but suggested that the team could provide another update in roughly two weeks as his recovery progresses.
The cautious approach reflects Missouri’s desire to make sure Hardy is properly prepared before he returns to full-contact football.
Hardy is also working through a return-to-play process that Drinkwitz previously described as lasting approximately five to eight weeks.
That timeline has made his availability for Missouri’s season opener one of the biggest questions surrounding the Tigers as the new season approaches.
Missouri is scheduled to begin the regular season on Thursday, September 3, against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and many fans have already weighed in on whether Hardy will be ready to take the field.
The overwhelming expectation among the fanbase is that Hardy will not play in the opener, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his recovery.
While missing the first game would be a disappointment for Missouri, holding Hardy out could ultimately be the most sensible decision for both the player and the program.
The Tigers are facing an FCS opponent in the opener, giving Missouri an opportunity to avoid rushing one of its most important offensive weapons back before he is completely ready.
Hardy’s long-term health and ability to return at full strength should remain the priority, especially considering his importance to Missouri’s offense.
With fall camp underway and the regular season rapidly approaching, the Tigers will continue to monitor his progress closely while waiting for the next major update on his status.
