MISSOURI RB AHMAD HARDY CLEARED AFTER GUNSHOT WOUND

Ahmad Hardy, Missouri's running back, has been medically cleared from a gunshot wound to the leg sustained at a concert in Mississippi on 10 May, according to coach Eli Drinkwitz. Hardy underwent emergency surgery after the bullet struck a bone in his upper leg. Drinkwitz stated that Hardy is "on the road to recovery" and fully healed from the injury, though a return-to-play timeline remains uncertain. The return-to-play protocol could span 5–8 weeks, Drinkwitz said at SEC media days.

Drinkwitz expressed uncertainty about Hardy's immediate readiness despite medical clearance. "We still don't know what his recovery will be," the coach said, adding that he anticipates Hardy will perform better than before the injury based on his approach to rehabilitation. Hardy transferred to Missouri from UL Monroe ahead of the 2025 season. In his first year at Missouri, he rushed for 1,649 yards, earning first-team All-America honours and SEC Newcomer of the Year. He scored 16 touchdowns and averaged 6.4 yards per carry across 256 rushing attempts, becoming a Doak Walker Award finalist.

Drinkwitz's cautious assessment reflects the unpredictability of recovery from such injuries, despite Hardy's successful rehabilitation so far. The running back's availability for the upcoming season depends on how he progresses through the return-to-play protocol. Missouri will monitor his condition closely as the team prepares for competition.