It’s been two seasons since Nyheim Hines last played in an NFL game.
The 28-year-old running back last played on Jan. 22, 2022, in the Buffalo Bills’ 27-10 divisional round playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished with one reception for four yards and totaled four kick returns for 90 yards.
However, his NFL career was derailed just a few months later when tore his ACL after colliding with another jet ski driver during the offseason. The Bills placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list in July, and he was released the following March.
He later signed with the Cleveland Browns and spent the entire season on the reserve/non-football injury list before getting released in February.
Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines (20) runs with the ball for a touchdown after making a catch against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines (20) runs with the ball for a touchdown after making a catch against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
But now it appears that Hines, a former All-ACC running back at NC State, and Sun Bowl MVP in 2017, is finally ready to compete for a roster spot after more than 800-day layoff, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“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,” Schefter wrote. “Hines believes his knee finally is ready for a return to action and he is looking for a new training camp home.”
In 81 NFL games, Hines totaled 1,202 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns plus 240 receptions, 1,778 yards and eight touchdowns receiving.
He also contributed 1,015 yards and two touchdowns on punt returns, and 817 yards and two touchdowns on kick returns.
Some teams that could be in the market for a depth running back include the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks.