KANSAS CITY, Mo. — During the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, Mecole Hardman suffered an injury that adds to the growing list of setbacks for the team’s wide receiver unit this season.

Hardman was attempting to return a punt and had just turned upfield along the sideline when he was brought down after an impressive 33-yard return. Upon landing, he fell hard onto his right shoulder, immediately showing distress as he reached for it. As he made his way off the field, his right arm hung limply by his side, prompting concern as he exited toward the locker room.

The Chiefs are already grappling with injuries to several key receivers. Marquise Brown is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during the preseason, which could potentially keep him out for the rest of the year following surgery. Additionally, Rashee Rice has undergone season-ending knee surgery.

JuJu Smith-Schuster was also unavailable for the contest due to a hamstring injury, further thinning the receiver ranks. This situation has intensified the Chiefs’ need for reliable pass catchers, leading them to recently acquire DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional fifth-round draft pick. The three-time All-Pro made his first appearance for the Chiefs last week, recording two catches for 29 yards in a victorious game against Las Vegas. He was already on track with four catches for 40 yards during the initial quarter against Tampa Bay.

Should Hardman require an extended absence due to his injury, Kansas City may need to explore additional options ahead of the looming trade deadline on Tuesday. The only other wide receivers available for the game against the Buccaneers included first-round draft selection Xavier Worthy, veteran Justin Watson, and Justyn Ross, who was called up from the practice squad.