Ahmad Hardy will return to practice, Eli Drinkwitz says

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou running back Ahmad Hardy will make his return to practice this week, according to head coach Eli Drinkwitz.

On Sunday, the leader of the Tigers took to X and made the announcement fans have been waiting for. He said: "After consulting with our medical team, Ahmad Hardy will return to practice this week. Our medical staff will determine his return to game action."

The news comes after the All-American running back has been rehabbing and recovering from a gunshot wound he sustained to his leg in early May. His return to practice marks the biggest step in the return-to-play process, so far.

Coach Drinkwitz has told media members that Hardy will need a full two-week ramp up period, where he is full-go in those practices, before he will be able to return to game action. If that two-week ramp up period started on Monday, Hardy could - possibly - be on pace to return for Mizzou in Week 10 against Texas at Faurot Field.

There is no official timetable on his return to the game-action, though. Local media members will be able to talk to Coach Drinkwitz during his weekly press conference, on Tuesday.