Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Josh Allen, Bills Lose Wide Receiver on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 5:31 PM ET

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills got back on track in Week 11, moving to 7-3 on the 2025 NFL season after a 44-32 win over Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, Allen and the Bills will look to make it two straight, facing the C.J. Stroud-less Houston Texans in Week 12's edition of "Thursday Night Football."

Allen had his best game of the season, completing 19-of-30 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, adding another 40 yards and three scores on the ground. And he did it all with his top wide receiver, Khalil Shakir, recording just one catch for a loss of three. But against the Texans, Allen will be without another receiver.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen against the Tampa Bay BuccaneersGregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Mecole Hardman, who spent several seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and won three Super Bowls alongside Patrick Mahomes, began the 2025 NFL season on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad before his release on Sept. 24. He later joined the Bills’ practice squad and made his Buffalo debut against the Bucs. However, he did not record a catch and lost a fumble on a punt return.

But during the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay, Hardman went down with a calf injury, forcing him to miss the remainder of the game. And as Buffalo prepared for Houston, the former Georgia wideout was unable to participate in practice.

And on Thursday, the Bills elected to put Hardman on the injured reserve, which will force him to miss the next four games. He will be able to return as early as Week 16 when Buffalo faces the Cleveland Browns.

"Bills now have placed WR Mecole Hardman Jr. on Injured Reserve," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X.