Ahmad Hardy's comeback appears to be here.
After months of uncertainty following a gunshot wound to his leg, the Missouri star running back is expected to make his season debut on Halloween against Arkansas, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Oct. 29.
Hardy was shot in Laurel, Mississippi, in May, putting his return to football in doubt. He won't start against Arkansas, according to Thamel, but is expected to receive a "handful of carries" as Missouri eases him back into action ahead of its Nov. 7 matchup with Texas.
That's a significant development after coach Eli Drinkwitz offered little clarity Monday about when Hardy might return.
"I don't know if he'll be back for Arkansas. I don't know if he'll be back for Texas. I don't know if he'll be back for the bowl game. Nobody knows," Drinkwitz siad.
Hardy returned to practice this week, and Drinkwitz had stated previously Hardy needs a two-week ramp-up period before returning to game action after starting practice again.
Nothing is guaranteed until Hardy actually takes the field. But five months after being shot, the SEC's reigning rushing leader appears closer than ever to completing a remarkable comeback.
Is Ahmad Hardy playing vs Arkansa...