Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines sustained a non-life threatening, though season-ending injury over the weekend.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the injury occurred as Hines, 26, was sitting on a stationary jet ski when another jet ski driver struck him.
While sitting stationary on a jet ski, Nyheim Hines was struck by another rider and sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Hines will require surgery and will miss the 2023 season. https://t.co/hR1VVD7BmW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023
Hines, slated to be the primary kick returner and a rotational running back for the Bills in 2023, will miss the entire season.
The 2023 season would've been Hines' first entire season with the team after the Bills traded for him last season before the trade deadline in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal involved sending fellow running back Zack Moss and a conditional draft pick to Indianapolis after a disappointing stint with the AFC contender.
What The Bills Are Losing With Nyheim Hines' Injury
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
Hines wasn't used often during his time in Buffalo last season, but he did have two kick returns for touchdowns in a single game against the New England Patriots. This was the final regular season game and the first game after Damar Hamlin's injury scare against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, Hines wasn't used as much as some fans would have liked to see on offense.
"I think it will be easier in an offseason to get in the whole playbook, get the feel," general manager Brandon Beane said of Hines' lack of touches at the end of last year. "You kind of install a lot more things than you do in season. So, yeah, I mean, in a perfect world, would have loved to get him more touches and hopefully that will happen next season."
Veterans are slated to report to camp on Tuesday, with the first practice being held at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York.
Without Hines, the Bills running back depth chart consists of James Cook, Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, and Jordan Mims. Notable running backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook remain on the market, and could be options for the Bills if they decide to replace Hines with another veteran back.
Contractually, Hines restructured his deal to be more team-friendly, which included a reduced cap hit from $4.79 million to $3.5 million.
