Missouri Star Running Back Ahmad Hardy to Play Despite Bullet Lodged in Femur

Missouri's star running back Ahmad Hardy is slated to play in Saturday's game against Arkansas, despite a bullet fragment remaining lodged in his femur, according to reports.

Hardy, 20, has not played this season after being shot during the offseason at a rap concert in Mississippi. The incident occurred just weeks after the birth of his first child.

Details revealed by ESPN's college football insider Marty Smith, following a conversation with Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, indicated that the bullet shattered the tip of Hardy's left femur. Despite the projectile still being in his leg, Hardy will return to play.

He spent months in rehabilitation following the injury, facing physical and mental challenges as he worried about his ability to perform at his previous level. Hardy returned to practice this week and is expected to receive a limited number of snaps against the Razorbacks.

The incident occurred in May outside a rap concert in Laurel, Mississippi, when gunfire erupted in a parking lot. Police described the scene as chaotic, with multiple vehicles attempting to leave simultaneously. Laurel police Sgt. Macon Davis stated that Hardy was a passenger in a vehicle trying to exit the venue when he was shot in the leg.

Last season, Hardy was a standout performer for the Tigers, leading the SEC in rushing yards with 1,649 and scoring 16 touchdowns. He was instrumental in Missouri's 8-5 record, which concluded with a loss in the Gator Bowl. The Tigers currently hold a 5-2 record for the season and were ranked in the AP Top 25 prior to their recent loss to No. 12 Ole Miss. Hardy's return is considered a significant boost to the team's offense as they prepare for upcoming games against unranked Arkansas and a November 7 matchup with Texas.