Ahmad Hardy injury timeline: How Mizzou RB made incredible return to football after shooting

Missouri ascent up the SEC standings has been spurred on by its run game. The Tigers are at their best when they're gashing teams in the trenches.

Ahmad Hardy was at the heart of Missouri's ground-based attack last year, producing a conference-best 1,649 yards in his maiden season en route to landing consensus All-American honors. He figured to play a similar role in the Tigers' offense this season before being cutdown by a gunshot wound to the leg.

Just six months after falling victim to a stray bullet, however, Hardy is already ahead of schedule. The 5-10, 210-pound running back returned to the field in style in the Tigers' last game. He could stand to see more time as the season wears on, especially if Missouri is able to stay close to the CFP race.

With that, here's a look at how Hardy recovered from his devastating injuries to add another dimension to the Tigers' high-octane attack.

Hardy was struck by a bullet while leaving a concert in Laurel, Mississippi early on May 10. He was an innocent bystander in the shooting, described as a "melee" by attending police officers

Hardy was shot in the upper leg, with the bullet striking a bone. He underwent surgery shortly after the shooting, returning to the team's facility in Columbia to rehab.

Three individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting. One was eventually charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault.

Hardy took to Missouri's practice facility shortly after undergoing surgery, using the grounds as a place to regain his lower-body strength. All signs pointed to Hardy returning to the field, although it was unclear when that would be the case.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz offered few updates on Hardy's status in the lead-up to the campaign, ostensibly attempting to divert pressure away from his star tailback. The extent of damage Hardy suffered to his leg is still unknown, although Drinkwitz indicated that the 20-year-old running back needed to have a metal rod inserted in his femur.

Hardy credited his teammates and faith with helping uplift him during his recovery.

"Me, mentally, I'm a very strong mental person," Hardy said, per the Associated Press. "Whatever I put my mind to, I can do it. If the good Lord said I can do it, then I can do it."

He made his long-awaited return to action on Halloween, making two carries for five yards in the Tigers' 34-10 win over Arkansas. Drinkwitz made mention of him in his postgame presser, praising the senior in his opening statement.

"I want to say I'm really, really proud of Ahmad Hardy," Drinkwitz said. "It's been a long road to get back here. It's been a very difficult challenge for everybody. ... To be able to come in here and get us a big first down, I'm really proud of him."