The Buffalo Bills are preparing for the playoffs by bringing back a wide receiver with plenty of big-game experience.
The team announced on Dec. 30 that they signed veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman back to the practice squad. The Bills had parted ways with the former Kansas City Chiefs receiver just one day before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but now will have him back for the regular season finale and start of the playoffs.
Bills Boost Wide Receiving Corps
The Bills had initially signed Hardman to the practice squad in November, adding some talent and versatility after coming up short at the NFL trade deadline. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team tried to add some new weapons to the offense and bring in more help for quarterback Josh Allen, but couldn’t find a team willing to make a deal with them.
Hardman had an immediate impact, returning a kickoff for 61 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he later fumbled a punt that game and suffered an injury that led to the Bills placing him on injured reserve.
Hardman was able to return for the team’s win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 16, but did not have a target. The Bills then released Hardman on Saturday.
The 27-year-old has plenty of playoff experience, having won three Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs and catching the game-winning touchdown when they beat the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s not clear how much the Bills could utilize Hardman, with backup running back Ray Davis solidifying his spot as the team’s kick returner and Gabe Davis returning to the lineup with a start on Sunday.
Another Late-Season Addition Comes Up Big
The Bills have been trying different combinations of receivers in recent weeks, finding success with another recent addition. The Bills signed veteran receiver Brandin Cooks after he cleared waivers in November, moving the pass-catcher into a big role in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
Cooks was a significant deep threat for Allen, catching a 50-yard pass and ending the game with six receptions for 101 yards.
Cooks told reporters after the game that he has been working hard since joining the team and feels fully integrated with the offense.
“I just think the daily approach,” Cooks said. “Every single day, going to work and knowing at some point it’s going to come.”
Cooks also praised the team’s resiliency, especially against the Eagles. After being held scoreless for the first 55 minutes of Sunday’s game, the Bills went on a furious rally with two touchdowns in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.
The Bills had a chance to tie the game late, but opted for a two-point conversion to win and lost 13-12 when Allen sailed a pass intended for Khalil Shakir.
“This team is a bunch of resilient guys,” Cooks added. “We never feel like we’re out of it, and you know things weren’t going our way early on as an offense, but we continued to fight and try to make it a game, but ultimately came up short.”
Bills Announce Return of Super Bowl Champion WR Days After Release