The Buffalo Bills will be without a dynamic running back and special teams player after a freak accident.
According to the NFL Network, Nyheim Hines was sitting on a jet ski when he was struck by another rider and sustained serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The accident has reportedly led to Hines suffering a significant knee injury. He’ll require surgery and will now miss the entire 2023 NFL season.
Acquired at the NFL trade deadline last season, Hines was a role player in Buffalo’s offense and used as a pass-catching running back. In nine games, he caught five passes for 53 yards and a receiving touchdown. His biggest contributions came as a kick returner and that was seen against the Patriots in the Bill’s regular-season finale.
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In Week 18, Hines returned two kickoffs for touchdowns en route to Buffalo’s 35-23 win over the Patriots. He returned four total kickoffs that day for a total of 235 yards. Hines’ touchdown runs set off an emotional Highmark Stadium as the game marked the first for the Bills after safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest.
He was expected to be the Bills’ top kickoff and punt returner this season. Hines was also expected to compete for snaps at the running back position. The Bills signed former Patriots running back Damien Harris and veteran Latavius Murray this offseason. Buffalo also 2022 second-round pick James Cook, who is expected to lead the way at the running back position.
