Bills running back Nyheim Hines is expected to miss the entire 2023 season with a knee injury, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hines, 26, suffered the season-ending injury when another rider struck him while he was sitting on a stationary Jet Ski, according to multiple reports. He will require surgery.
- He appeared in nine games for the Bills last season following a trade from the Colts in November, tallying six rush attempts, 53 receiving yards and catching one touchdown. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the team’s Week 18 win over the Patriots.
- Hines was slated to be Buffalo’s top kickoff and punt returner this season.
- Buffalo’s 2023 running back room also includes James Cook, Damien Harris and Latavius Murray.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Where Hines fit in the Bills offense
After acquiring Hines at the trade deadline last year, he was a piece of the overhaul the Bills went through at the running back position. They moved on from Zack Moss and Devin Singletary, then signed Harris and Murray to join Hines and Cook, the presumed starter. Although Hines wasn’t heavily involved in the offense in 2022, he had a strong showing in the spring that put himself in the mix to be the complementary piece to Cook to begin this season. — Buscaglia
How concerning is this for the Bills?
One primary concern is their running back plan. They seemed very intentional in adding two power running backs in Harris and Murray to join two speedy, pass-catching backs in Cook and Hines for ultimate versatility. Without Hines, that could put much more on Cook’s workload this season.
The Bills have always been a pass-first offense with quarterback Josh Allen, and having a pass-catching back on the field in those situations was always their goal. Now they’ll either have to rely on Harris or Murray, though neither player is considered a pass-catching threat. The Bills may need to look outside the organization to add to the running back room again. — Buscaglia
Where will the Bills turn on special teams?
Hines’ most memorable game as a Bills player was when he returned two kickoffs for a touchdown, helping them to a win less than one week after the Damar Hamlin incident in Cincinnati. The Bills will need to rely on players with previous experience in the return game, with the newly signed Deonte Harty and 2022 fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir likely having the best look at it entering training camp. If they don’t add a pass-catching running back, they could look to free agency for a return specialist as well. — Buscaglia
Backstory
Hines, a 2018 fourth-round pick out of NC State, has compiled 1,202 rushing yards, 1,778 receiving yards and 18 offensive touchdowns in 81 career games.
His most productive offensive season came in 2020, when he rushed for 380 yards and caught 63 passes for 482 yards with the Colts.
Hines has four career return touchdowns (two punt and two kick).
Required reading
(Photo: Gregory Fisher / USA Today)
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