Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz gives Ahmad Hardy update that includes a little dig at Mike Elko appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Missouri football running back Ahmad Hardy has made progress in his recovery, but he has yet to return to practice to begin the 2026 season. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz shared the latest update on Hardy while also taking a subtle shot at Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko.
During his media availability on Tuesday, Drinkwitz urged reporters to remain patient, saying that he would inform them as soon as there was a significant development in Hardy’s recovery.
“I answered that question last week,” Drinkwitz said. “And I tried to say the same thing. Like, I really don’t want to answer that question every week. And I will tell y’all when there’s an update.”
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Elko referred to Texas A&M’s message board as a “cesspool” on Saturday following the Aggies’ loss to Missouri. However, during his own media interaction, Drinkwitz appeared to take a subtle dig at Elko while dismissing the speculation surrounding Hardy’s potential return.
“And contrary to I’m not going to use it. Contrary to what’s on the cesspool of message boards. Yeah, there’s no update. He hasn’t begun a two-week ramp-up period. If he practices, I promise, I’ll tweet it out. I won’t even give it to Pete (Thamel).”
Hardy has been sidelined throughout this season after suffering a gunshot wound to his upper leg in May. Though the running back was medically cleared in July, he has yet to return to practice.
Meanwhile, Missouri has continued its strong start to the season, improving to 5-1 through its first six games despite being without Hardy. The running back was expected to play a major role in the Tigers’ offense before his offseason injury forced him to miss the start of the season.
Hardy’s absence has also created an opportunity for Jamal Roberts to lead Missouri’s rushing attack. Roberts has recorded 828 rushing yards and eight touchdowns so far this season.
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