The Buffalo Bills are set to be without one of their offensive weapons for the upcoming 2023 NFL season.
Running back Nyheim Hines is reported to have suffered a significant knee injury away from the team, with NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero revealing as much this Monday morning.
Hines joined the Bills via a midseason trade in 2022, leaving the Indianapolis Colts following a spell that began when they drafted him in the fourth round in 2018. The 26-year-old had his deal restructured in the offseason, accepting less money to remain in Buffalo.
He was expected to be the backfield pass-catching option behind James Cook, Latavius Murray, and Damien Harris. He was also gearing up to become the team’s primary kick and punt returner after returning two kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
Their third-down passing role will be up for grabs now that he’s poised to sit out for a season.
The Bills will rue this injury as they rated Hines highly heading into the campaign and were keen on having him in their offense moving forward. It will be interesting to see how they handle his absence or whether they might look to the market for a replacement, with the likes of Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliot still free agents.
