Missouri expects Ahmad Hardy to return against Arkansas

Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to make his season debut against Arkansas on Saturday, October 31, after recovering from a gunshot wound sustained in May. He is expected to play a limited role and is not expected to start, according to reports attributed to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel. Hardy returned to practice during the week before the game, and Missouri plans to ease him back with a handful of carries. Jamal Roberts is expected to remain the starting running back. The planned return comes after Hardy missed the start of the season while recovering from injuries caused by the shooting. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said Hardy was shot in the leg and underwent surgery. ESPN reporter Marty Smith reported that Drinkwitz told him a bullet remains in Hardy’s body and shattered the tip of his left femur. Drinkwitz said a stabilizing rod was inserted into the bone. Smith also reported that Hardy faced mental challenges during rehabilitation, including concerns about whether he would return to his previous level of play. Hardy was shot in May while attending a concert in Laurel, Mississippi, according to reports. He underwent surgery in Mississippi and returned to...