Why this Chiefs Super Bowl hero (from last season) won’t be part of this year’s run

Mecole Hardman, who scored the game-winning touchdown in last year’s Super Bowl, won’t get that opportunity this year.

Andy Reid said Wednesday that Hardman will remain on injured reserve with a knee injury. That ends Hardman’s season as the Chiefs prepare to meet the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Hardman appeared in 12 games this season and finished with 12 receptions for 90 yards. He also had five rushing attempts for 62 yards and a touchdown. He was the team’s primary punt return specialist.

In his absence, Nikko Remigio has stepped in and averaged 26.8 yards on kickoff returns and 9.5 yards on punt returns. Remigio returned the opening kickoff 63 yards against the Houston Texans last week’s Divisional Round victory.

Remigio will continue to handle those duties.

“It really doesn’t change anything for me,” Remigio said. “Just doing my job as I’ve been doing the past few weeks and playing up to my ability.”

At last season’s Super Bowl, Hardman caught Patrick Mahomes’ 3-yard touchdown pass in overtime to give the Chiefs a 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Hardman also has had big moments against the Bills in the postseason with a receiving touchdown in the 2020 AFC Championship Game, and a rushing touchdown in the 2021 Divisional Round games, both won by the Chiefs.

Jesse Newell contributed to this story.