Mecole Hardman Jr. has played in more Super Bowls than games with the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills released the wide receiver and return specialist on Saturday, ending a stint that lasted just two games for the three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hardman’s tenure included four offensive snaps, nine special teams snaps and a four-game absence on injured reserve.
Buffalo also made three additional roster moves ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bills signed tight end Keleki Latu from the practice squad to the active roster and elevated defensive end Andre Jones Jr. and kicker Michael Badgley from the practice squad.
Bills release Hardman
Hardman returned in Week 16 after missing four games on injured reserve with a calf injury but played just two special teams snaps in the win over the Cleveland Browns. He returned one punt for four yards and did not play an offensive snap.
Hardman first appeared for Buffalo in Week 11 on Nov. 16, when his initial touch went for a 61-yard kickoff return. In the third quarter, he lost a fumble on a punt return and suffered the calf injury that sidelined him for more than a month.
His Bills tenure ends with four offensive snaps and nine special teams snaps, along with one kickoff return for 61 yards and two punt returns for four yards, including the lost fumble. A 2019 Pro Bowl selection as a rookie kick returner, Hardman never carved out a consistent role in Buffalo’s offense or return game.
In his absence, rookie running back Ray Davis has emerged as the Bills’ primary kickoff returner, averaging 31.0 yards on 27 returns.
Latu signed amid tight end injuries
Keleki Latu, an undrafted rookie, had reached the maximum of three practice-squad elevations, necessitating a full roster spot.
The move comes with tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid both listed as questionable with knee injuries for Week 17. If neither is able to play, Buffalo would have only two healthy tight ends available: Latu and rookie Jackson Hawes.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has praised Latu since training camp for his blocking ability, effort and willingness to do the dirty work in the run game.
Latu has appeared in three games this season and has one catch.
Badgley elevated again with Prater sidelined
Badgley will be active for a second straight game with veteran kicker Matt Prater ruled out with a quadriceps injury.
In last week’s 23-20 win over the Browns, Badgley made a 41-yard field goal and went 2-for-3 on extra points. He also failed to reach the landing zone on one kickoff.
