Sources: Missouri RB Hardy, shot in offseason, to return vs. Arkansas

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Missouri All-American tailback Ahmad Hardy is set to make his season debut this weekend at Arkansas, sources told ESPN.

Hardy is not going to start, but he's expected to get a handful of carries, sources said.

Hardy has been out since May after dealing with the various injuries from being struck by a bullet in May. Hardy returned to practice this week, and he's now set to make his 2026 debut.

Hardy led the SEC in rushing last season with 1,649 yards. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and finished with 16 touchdowns. He earned consensus All-American honors, was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and earned first-team All-SEC honors.

Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz has been cautious in his public statements about bringing back Hardy, as he's indicated there's no blueprint for a player returning from injuries related to a gunshot wounds.

Hardy was not on the availability report on Wednesday for the first time this season.

Missouri tailback Jamal Roberts has played an outsized role in Hardy's absence, leading with SEC with 124 yards per game.

Following the Arkansas game, Missouri will play three highly ranked teams - No. 11 Texas, at No. 3 Georgia and No. 9 Kentucky.