The Chiefs designated Hardman (abdomen) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, with head coach Andy Reid noting that the wide receiver will have a "ramp-up process" throughout the week, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.
After having spent the requisite four games on IR, Hardman is now eligible to practice and potentially return to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans. If Hardman needs more ramp-up time beyond this week, the Chiefs will still have the option of bringing him back Week 16 against Seattle or Week 17 against Denver. Prior to suffering the abdominal injury, Hardman was enjoying one of the better stretches of his career with 226 receiving yards, 35 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a four-game stretch Weeks 5 through 9. Given that he rebounded strong after a slow start to the season, Hardman should be right back in a top-three role at receiver once he's declared healthy, likely taking snaps away from Justin Watson and/or Marquez Valdes-Scantling.