Many NFL fans wonder what happened to Nyheim Hines, a former 2018 4th-round pick who last played in 2022, splitting the 2022 season with the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. In 2024 Hines was signed by the Cleveland Browns but was never activated off injured reserve and later released. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Former Bills and Colts running back Nyheim Hines is looking to return after a two-year absence due to a jet ski accident in 2023, where he tore his ACL. Adam Schefter also reported that Hines says he is ready to return to action and wants to sign with a team before training camp starts.
Nyheim Hines Thinks He Is Finally Healthy and Ready to Sign With a Team Following His ACL Injury
Hines: A Career Backup
Hines Spent most of his career on the Colts, backing up Marlon Mack and star running back Jonathan Taylor. Despite not receiving many opportunities on the ground, Hines has always been a productive receiving back, topping over 300 receiving yards in four out of his five years in the NFL. Hines was also a special-teams contributor where he returns punts and kicks. In 2020, Hines returned a career-high 30 punts for 300 yards. The next two years he had 20+ returns in both years. Hines also had two punt return touchdowns in 2019 and two kick return touchdowns in 2022 showcasing his ability to make splash plays with the ball in his hands.
Nyheim Hines Eyeing Return, Could be A Fit For These Teams:
Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs are always looking for a depth receiving back. Despite having Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, those running backs are more power-bruising running backs and the Chiefs can use a receiving back like Hines. Hines can play a similar role that Damien Williams and Jerick McKinnon played when they were both on the Chiefs.
New Orleans Saints- Hines would be a nice backup to star running back Alvin Kamara where he can play a similar role. Kamara, known for his receiving abilities, is turning 30 this season and the Saints may want to tone down the snaps he plays to keep him healthy. Hines would likely play an insurance back role and fill in when Kamara needs a breather to keep Kamara fresh.
Los Angeles Rams- The Rams have star running back Kyren Williams and his backup Blake Corum who plays very similar, bruiser style. Matthew Stafford and the Rams can use a receiving back like Hines for check-downs to ease the blitz from opposing defenses or just another target for Stafford in general. Rams head coach Sean McVay would have no issues drawing up certain plays for Hines to be open.
Great Depth Piece For Any Team That Lands Hines
In summation, Nyheim Hines is Eyeing a Return to the NFL after a long layoff. The veteran running back will be a nice depth addition to any team that is willing to sign him as he can play a backup role, punt returner, and even kick returner. His versatility and explosiveness with the ball in his hands will make teams interested in signing him. He will also be a valuable asset to any playoff-caliber team in need of depth.
Main Image: Jamie Germano – Imagn Images
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