Hardman is currently on injured reserve with a pelvis injury. He suffered the injury in the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 29, 2023. Hardman had surgery to repair the injury on February 10, 2023.
The Jets have not released a timetable for Hardman's return, but it is unlikely that he will play in the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 12, 2024, which is less than a year after Hardman's surgery.
If Hardman is unable to play in the Super Bowl, the Jets will have to rely on their other wide receivers. The Jets' top three wide receivers are Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Garrett Wilson.
Moore is a second-year player who is coming off a breakout season. In 2022, Moore had 83 catches for 1,038 yards and five touchdowns. Davis is a veteran receiver who has played for the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets. In 2022, Davis had 34 catches for 492 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson is a rookie who was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Wilson has the potential to be a star receiver, but he is still inexperienced.
In addition to Moore, Davis, and Wilson, the Jets also have Denzel Mims, Braxton Berrios, and Jeff Smith on their roster. Mims is a former second-round pick who has struggled to stay healthy. Berrios is a versatile player who can return punts and kicks. Smith is a young receiver who is still trying to develop.
If Hardman is unable to play in the Super Bowl, the Jets' offense will likely look more spread out. The Jets will have to rely on their other wide receivers to make plays.
The Jets will also have to rely on their running game and their defense. The Jets have a good running game with Breece Hall and Michael Carter. The Jets also have a good defense with Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, and C.J. Mosley.
In addition to the information above, here are some additional thoughts on whether or not Mecole Hardman will play in the Super Bowl:
Overall, it is highly unlikely that Mecole Hardman will play in the Super Bowl. He is still recovering from a serious injury, and the Jets have other options at wide receiver.
Images by Via Instagram @mecolehardman4