After making final cuts for the initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers have signed 13 players to the practice squad. Former Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman leads the list of signees, one of four offensive skill position players to get the nod. Following a lackluster performance in camp, it’s at least a temporary foothold as the three-time Super Bowl champ attempts to revitalize his career.
Green Bay Packers practice squad deal keeps Hardman employed, but the ex-champion has clearly reached a low point
In the battle for the final receiver spot on the 53-man unit, Hardman lost out to third-year player Malik Heath, who impressed in camp and was granted another shot to show he can be a reliable contributor. Across the past two seasons, Heath (25 catches) and Hardman (27) have occupied similar fringe roles in the receiving game.
Hardman also returned 20 kicks last year as a member of the Chiefs, but the Packers are happy using cornerback Keisean Nixon in that capacity. On the 53-man roster, Hardman was unable to carve out a place despite a clear opportunity at the back end of the depth chart.
For now, though, he will remain with Green Bay on the practice squad. Alongside Hardman, the Packers also signed receivers Isaiah Neyor and Will Sheppard, plus running back Israel Abanikanda. The latter, a 2023 fifth-rounder, is the only one to be drafted.
He is also the only one of the three to see NFL snaps, accounting for 22 carries and seven catches with the Jets two years ago. With the Packers, Abanikanda saw decent involvement in the preseason and carried the ball 24 times.
Neyor and Sheppard both played college ball last year, at Nebraska and Colorado, respectively.
For his part, Hardman has had a better career than most No. 56 picks do. Aside from a brief Jets stint, he had spent his entire career in Kansas City before the Packers signed him this offseason. Once a key cog in the Chiefs offense, he has not seen regular receiver reps since 2021.
In his career, Hardman has 178 catches for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. A versatile gadget weapon in his heyday, he has a both a kick return and punt return touchdown, along with 26 career carries for 190 yards and three scores.
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