Tyreek Hill watched from the sidelines during week 10, as Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense derailed against Miami. The Bills seemed to gain momentum after their win against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the night quickly turned into a frustrating setback. After a 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Bills made a roster move to bolster their run game. Taking notice, the Dolphins star shared his take on his former Chiefs teammate’s signing and how it might shake up Buffalo’s inconsistent offense.

“Happy for my bro he’s gone be a difference maker for Josh Allen watch,” Hill wrote on X.

With a receiving corps failing to gain separation and surge under pressure, the Bills opted for a tactical move. Mecole Hardman Jr., a former division rival, now steps into the Bills locker room to make a difference after the Green Bay Packers cut him from the practice squad in September.  

Hardman spent six seasons from 2019 to 2024 competing against Allen’s Bills as part of the Kansas City Chiefs, and posted 178 receptions for 2,302 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns that underscore his speed and playmaking agility. Hardman made 89 punt returns for 819 yards and one touchdown, including a long return of 67 yards, while serving as the Chiefs’ return specialist. He also added 45 kick returns for 1,073 yards and one touchdown return, which went for 104 yards. 

It is crucial for the quarterback, Josh Allen, as he threw 306 yards and two touchdowns, but also logged an interception, a fumble, and three sacks against the Miami Dolphins. This signing mostly revolves around speed to unlock Allen’s distribution capacity because the Buffalo Bills recorded just 87 rushing yards during the week 10 fixture. 

Meanwhile, Allen’s strategic cap-saving measures created a window to acquire premium receivers, including Mecole Hardman Jr.

Offensive mistakes create an opening for the Bills to restructure

After a dismal loss revealed offensive shortcomings, the Buffalo Bills sparked headlines by adding veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. to their practice squad. Hardman signs a one-year contract worth up to $1.5 million, with modest incentives and a $150,000 guarantee.

“We’ve got to be better in the protection game, in the pass game, in the run game, all of it. Anytime you turn it over three times … that’s a recipe for disaster,” Josh Allen said postgame.

In their loss, the Bills’ passing game noticeably collapsed; the offense was unable to expand the field or convert third downs, which limited momentum and failed to open lanes for their run game.

Hardman enhances the run game with motion sweeps, jet-motion runs, and receiver screens. This creates mismatches if defenders cheat on the run and strengthens Josh Allen’s ability to distribute the ball.

Hardman’s inclusion makes play-action more significant, which gives Buffalo more stability as it advances to the playoffs.  The signing gives Allen another tool to unleash his downfield arm and keep opponents on their toes.  For the team, it’s a low-risk investment with potential high reward as they gear up to revitalize their aerial threat.