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Mizzou Running Back Ahmad Hardy’s Return Still Murky

Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy remains out of action following a shooting incident in May, despite being medically cleared in July. With the team currently on a bye week after a top-15 clash with Ole Miss, Hardy’s return is still uncertain, as he has yet to appear on the practice field.

Coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed Tuesday that Hardy has not begun the required two-week ramp-up process, leaving his availability for the upcoming Arkansas game in doubt. Drinkwitz dismissed speculation about Hardy’s status with humor, calling social media rumors a “cesspool of message boards” while emphasizing that any practice would be announced directly by the team.

In Hardy’s absence, backup Jamal Roberts has emerged as the SEC’s leading rusher, posting back-to-back 200-yard performances against Texas A&M (222 yards, 2 TDs) and Florida (211 yards, 3 TDs). Roberts now trails only one player nationally in rushing yards and faces a favorable matchup against Ole Miss’s 104th-ranked rushing defense this weekend.

Missouri’s backfield depth has become a key asset, though the program remains hopeful Hardy’s eventual return will restore its full offensive firepower.

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