Missouri RB Hardy to practice for first time since getting shot

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  Alex ScarboroughOct 25, 2026, 05:23 PM ET

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  • Covers the SEC.
  • Joined ESPN in 2012.
  • Graduate of Auburn University.

Missouri consensus All-America running back Ahmad Hardy, who was shot at a concert in May and has yet to play this season, will return to practice this week.

Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz announced the development in Hardy's recovery on Sunday afternoon. In a social media post, Drinkwitz wrote, "After consulting with our medical team, Ahmad Hardy will return to practice this week. Our medical staff will determine his return to game action."

Drinkwitz had previously said of Hardy, "I need a two-week, fully invested, be-able-to-practice-at-full-speed, before we consider playing in the game."

Missouri plays at Arkansas on Saturday before facing a three-game stretch of ranked opponents: vs. No. 11 Texas, at No. 3 Georgia and vs. No. 9 Kentucky.

Hardy, a junior from Mississippi, rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He was struck by a bullet while attending a concert in Mississippi.

In his absence, Jamal Roberts stepped into a starting role and thrived, leading the SEC in rushing yards per game (123.86).

At SEC media days in July, Drinkwitz told reporters that Hardy had been medically cleared from the bullet that hit him and, "Today was his first day back to a full recovery."

But it's been a long process with very few updates from Drinkwitz until Sunday.

Missouri, which had last week off, is 5-2 with both losses coming in SEC play.