Former Buffalo Bills running back hasn’t played an NFL snap since a horrific accident halted his 2023 season before it started, but he now has a chance to make a comeback with an injury-plagued AFC contender.
The Los Angeles Chargers revealed this week that they had signed Nyheim Hines to their squad, adding veteran depth after losing both of their top running backs to injuries. Prior to his injury, Hines established himself as a versatile running back and return specialist, and he will now get the opportunity to demonstrate that he can still contribute to an NFL team.
The Chargers’ backfield has suffered significant losses, including the season-ending Achilles tear of Najee Harris and the placement of first-round choice Omarion Hampton on injured reserve this week due to an ankle injury. The organization promoted Kimani Vidal from the practice squad to the official roster and will give Hassan Haskins a larger role, but Hines will also provide depth.
Hines joined three other running backs in a workout for the Chargers this week, and the team decided to give the versatile Hines a practice squad contract. Since entering the NFL in 2018, Hines has appeared in 81 games, totaling 1,202 running yards with 10 touchdowns and 240 receptions for 1,778 yards and eight receiving scores.
While Hines will most likely remain on the practice squad at first, he could be called up to the active roster once he has adjusted to the team.
Hine hasn’t played in an NFL game since the end of the 2022 season. The next offseason, he was injured in a jet ski accident just before the Bills’ training camp began, injuring his ACL.
Hines missed the whole 2023 season and was released by the Bills the following offseason. He had a rather public disagreement with the Bills over the injury settlement, with Hines’ agent criticizing the team on social media before Hines spoke up and praised the team, later stating that he planned to return after his injury.
There were notable highlights during his time with the Bills, including a return score on the first kickoff when the Bills hosted the New England Patriots after Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac collapse on the field. Hines later scored a touchdown on another kickoff return, propelling the Bills to victory.
The veteran running back joined the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad last year, but was placed on injured reserve and did not play in a game. This summer, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Hines planned to return to the NFL and was looking for an opportunity.
“Nearly two years to the date that he tore his ACL in a jet-ski accident, Nyheim Hines is looking for a chance to play in his first NFL game since 2022, when he returned two kicks for touchdowns in the same game for the Bills,” according to Schefter. “Hines believes his knee finally is ready for a return to action and he is looking for a new training camp home.”