Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy returns to play 6 months after shooting

Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy made his return to the field for the No. 23 Tigers on Saturday night at Arkansas, nearly six months after being wounded in the leg during a shooting at an outdoor concert, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported.

Hardy entered the game late in the first quarter to an ovation from Missouri fans, according to Yahoo Sports. He was shot in the leg as a bystander while attending a concert in Laurel, Mississippi, on May 10.

Police arrested a suspect in the shooting and charged them with two felony counts of aggravated assault, WKMG noted. Details about the extent of Hardy's injuries have been limited, but Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said Hardy needed a metal rod inserted in his femur, the large bone in the upper leg.

During Hardy's absence this season, senior Jamal Roberts led Missouri's rushing attack with 867 yards and eight touchdowns, topping the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards per game at 123.9, Yahoo Sports reported.

Hardy had a strong 2025 season with 1,649 rushing yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns. Last November, he helped Missouri defeat Arkansas 31-17 by rushing 27 times for 157 yards and a touchdown in Fayetteville.