Jets' Mecole Hardman looking for shot against former team Chiefs
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Mecole Hardman believes he can help the Jets’ sputtering offense, and he hopes to get the chance Sunday night against the Chiefs, his former NFL team.
The speedy wide receiver has played sparingly during the Jets’ 1-2 start, including just two offensive snaps in a Week 3 loss to the Patriots.
“I do think I can definitely help with some things, being explosive and making things happen,” Hardman said Thursday. “That’s definitely my mindset anytime I’m on the field. Whenever that chance presents itself, I’ll make sure I go out there and show that.
“I just gotta keep working, keep getting familiar with the offense, keep building trust with the staff and hopefully waiting for my opportunity to come. When they do, take advantage. … When they dial something up for me, I’ll make sure I make it count.”
The 25-year-old Hardman signed a one-year contract worth $4 million with the Jets after scoring 16 touchdowns and averaging 13.8 yards per catch during his first four seasons with the Chiefs.
He has been on the field for just 16 offensive snaps in three games, mostly in garbage time in a Week 2 loss to the Cowboys.
“I’m ready. Whenever they call my number, I’ll go out there and produce,” Hardman said. “We’re all in a frenzy with Aaron [Rodgers] going down and trying to figure things out. I don’t hold anything against them.”
Asked about former teammate Travis Kelce dating Taylor Swift, Hardman said, “Hey, if anybody can do that, it’d be Trav, for sure. Trav is a great guy, I love him to death I haven’t asked him about that just yet, but I’ll have a conversation with him on the field, just throw it out there, like, ‘What’s going on?’ ”
Swift is expected to be in attendance Sunday night at MetLife Stadium.
“I don’t think I’m going out there to try and impress nobody, especially with her, because she’s with Trav now, so that’s definitely out of my stratosphere,” Hardman said. “I got a girl, anyway. If anything, I’ll try to impress her and my son.”
Safety Tony Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (concussion) did not practice.
No players were listed as limited participants.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on sideline blowups Sunday between players and coaches, including Garrett Wilson and Michael Carter: “You want the guys to be frustrated. I don’t want the guys to be out there smiling and happy.”
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