Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are going to be significantly undermanned in Saturday’s divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Bills booked their spot in the second round of the NFL playoffs with a 27-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, that wildcard win came at quite a cost.
The Bills lost wide receivers Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers during the game, with both players suffering season-ending ACL injuries. Safety Jordan Poyer also sustained a hamstring injury against the Jaguars and has been ruled out of the Broncos game.
On Friday, the Bills made a couple of roster moves ahead of their divisional round matchup. They decided to bring in a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Mecole Hardman has bounced between the practice squad and the active roster of the Bills throughout the season. He first signed with the team in November as a practice squad member. The 27-year-old WR has made two appearances for Buffalo in 2025, but has not registered a single catch.
On Friday, the Bills announced that they have decided to elevate Hardman to the active roster for Saturday’s contest against the Broncos.
Allen is going to need all the help he can get with two of his key weapons out wide already out for the season. Apart from Davis and Shavers, WR Joshua Palmer is also on injured reserve due to an ankle problem.
The Bills also activated Curtis Samuel (elbow) from injured reserve. And while he remains questionable to play, this move suggests Samuel could be ready to face Denver. If he suits up, Samuel will be in the mix alongside wideouts Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks and Keon Coleman.
As for Hardman, the former Chiefs star could see some action against the Broncos. There is no guarantee that he will play, but the Bills could turn to him amid their injury crisis.
Hardman started his NFL career with the Chiefs, who selected the former Georgia Bulldogs standout in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Hardman played six seasons with the Chiefs — he started the 2023 campaign with the New York Jets before returning to Kansas City mid-season.
In 75 games played for the Chiefs, Hardman logged 177 catches for 2,296 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding 190 rushing yards and three TDs on 26 carries. The former Pro Bowler and All-Pro second-team wideout was part of all three of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl title runs.
The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They will host the Bills on Saturday, with kickoff from Empower Field at Mile High scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be aired live on CBS.