Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy has been medically cleared to return to football activities after suffering a gunshot wound to his thigh in May, head coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters Monday, according to AL.com's Matt Stahl.
Hardy's recovery timeline remains uncertain, but Drinkwitz said the team expects it to be in the five-to-eight-week range.
"The bullet did strike a bone in his body, and that has been fully healed and cleared, and today was his first day back toward a full recovery," Drinkwitz said at SEC Media Days in Tampa.
He added, "My anticipation and what I've seen, the way he's attacked his rehab - he's going to be a better Ahmad Hardy than what he was before, and I'm very proud of the way that he's approached his recovery."
Hardy was shot while attending a concert in Mississippi and underwent multiple surgeries following the incident. The star running back said after leaving the hospital that he hopes to play during the 2026 campaign.
The 20-year-old rushed for an SEC-leading 1,649 yards last year along with 16 touchdowns after transferring from Louisiana-Monroe the offseason prior. Hardy is considered one of the top running back prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Missouri will open its season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3.
