One of the biggest questions during the 2021 season was the lack of consistent usage when it came to Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines.
Looking to correct that mistake moving forward, the Colts have been getting the pass-catching back extremely involved throughout the offseason workouts. Not only has Hines been making his usual impact out of the backfield, but he’s also testing the limits on his usage as a receiver.
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, which ended for veterans this week, Hines was lining up all over the field, including split out wide. This is somewhat normal for Hines, but head coach Frank Reich also mentioned how the team wants to see just how versatile the former fourth-round pick can be.
“We’ve done that before, probably a little bit more during this OTAs – just wanting to see, test his limits. How much can he do? We always try to get him involved in the pass game anyway, but get him a little more work at receiver during a time when this is more of a pass camp,” Reich told reporters Thursday.
During this time of year, no live contact is permitted. A player like Hines is typically going to shine because he’s simply faster and quicker than everyone else on the field. But where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.
We’ve seen what Hines can do as a weapon in the passing game. In 2018 and 2020, Hines recorded 63 receptions in each of those seasons. He had a career year in 2020 with Philip Rivers when he recorded 482 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
It seems the Colts are really trying to correct that mistake from 2021 and making sure he continues his growth as a receiver is part of that endeavor.
“It’s just an opportunity for him. We had a plan talking with Frank (Reich), Reggie (Wayne) and Scottie Montgomery (for) OTAs – let’s get him some individual work with the receivers so he can continue getting better in that area. We like to use Nyheim (Hines) in different areas – in the backfield, out in the slot. We just want him to be able to continue to grow,” said offensive coordinator Marcus Brady on Wednesday.
Hines took 124 snaps from the slot and out wide during the 2021 season, according to Pro Football Focus. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he approached closer to 150 snaps in that regard during the 2022 season.
The backfield will continue to belong to Jonathan Taylor. But there is still plenty of work to go around to keep Hines relevant and active in the offense.
While his numbers took a step back in 2021, it’s more realistic that he regresses toward his averages of 2018 and 2020.
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