Chiefs Reunion With Former 3 Super Bowl Champion Just 2 Hours After Packers Release to Practice Squad
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – August 26, 2025 – The Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time bringing back a familiar face, reuniting with a veteran wide receiver only two hours after the Green Bay Packers released him on cutdown day.
The move marks yet another homecoming orchestrated by general manager Brett Veach, who has never shied away from second (and even third) chances for trusted veterans. With roster spots tightening, the Chiefs chose to add an experienced playmaker to their practice squad.
Kansas City entered the week with a crowded wide receiver room. Young players like Nikko Remigio, Tyquan Thornton, and Jason Brownlee were fighting for depth chart positions, but concerns lingered over special teams consistency and reliable playoff experience.
That’s where Mecole Hardman comes back into the fold. The former third-round pick and three-time Super Bowl champion in Kansas City was let go by Green Bay after a disappointing preseason, yet quickly found his way back to Arrowhead.
Hardman’s résumé speaks for itself: blazing speed, return ability, and a knack for big-game moments. Chiefs fans remember his crucial plays across three championship runs, and his bond with Patrick Mahomes remains strong.
For the Packers, releasing Hardman was a predictable outcome after investing heavily in rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. But for the Chiefs, the decision was just as easy — don’t let a proven playoff weapon slip away.
By stashing him on the practice squad, Kansas City maintains roster flexibility while keeping a trusted veteran ready. Should injuries or inconsistency strike, Hardman can be activated immediately without missing a beat.
For Chiefs Kingdom, the reunion feels almost inevitable. Once again, a familiar speedster is back in red and gold, ready to write another chapter in Kansas City’s pursuit of a historic three-peat.
How to Watch Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football
By Andrew Birkle • Updated October 20, 2025, at 10:28 a.m. ET
The announcement means fans attending either event should expect tighter logistics and additional security procedures around the stadium. Kickoff has been pushed back slightly to accommodate both occasions without conflict.
🕔 Updated Kickoff Time for Lions vs. Buccaneers
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Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
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Venue: Ford Field — Detroit, Michigan
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Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
📺 How to Watch on ABC and ESPN
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TV: ABC / ESPN
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Streaming: Fubo (free trial) or the ESPN App
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Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1 in Detroit); Lions Radio Network affiliates
Pregame coverage begins with Monday Night Countdown, hosted by
The Lions return home after a tough 30–17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs
This will be the fourth meeting between the Lions and Buccaneers in the last two seasons. Detroit holds a 2–1 edge in that span, including their 31–23 playoff win in 2024. Still, the Bucs arrive as one of the NFC’s hottest teams, led by a rejuvenated
📊 Lions 2025 Schedule (Through Week 7)
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Week 1: L, 27–13 at Packers
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Week 2: W, 52–21 vs. Bears
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Week 3: W, 38–30 at Ravens
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Week 4: W, 34–10 vs. Browns
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Week 5: W, 37–24 at Bengals
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Week 6: L, 30–17 at Chiefs
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Week 7: vs. Buccaneers — Monday, Oct. 20, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC
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Week 8: Bye Week
To pull off a statement win before the bye, Detroit’s defense must tighten up, particularly against Tampa Bay’s well-balanced offense that thrives on quick tempo and creative play-calling.
Under the bright lights at Ford Field, playoff energy will be in the air once again. The Lions will look to rediscover their rhythm, prove their resilience, and remind the NFL that this Detroit team is still built to contend.
