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The Buffalo Bills will not have the services of Nyheim Hines in 2023.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hines sustained an “off-site” knee injury which will keep him out the entirety of next season.
Hines, 26, was traded by the Indianapolis Colts to Buffalo at the 2022 NFL trade deadline in a deal which sent running back Zach Moss the other direction. The Bills and Hines agreed to a restructured contract this offseason as well.
In nine games in Buffalo after the trade, Hines only had six carries and five catches. However, one catch did result in a touchdown and Hines also took two emotional kickoff returns for a score after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. Hines averaged 29.2 yards per return in 2023.
At the end of the 2022 season, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane noted that he would have liked to see Hines used more in the offense during the season. It was expected that Hines could have a bigger role going forward until injury struck.
Without Hines, receiver Donte Harty becomes the likeliest candidate to replace him on special teams. Harty, who signed with the Bills this offseason, earned All-Pro honors as a returner during his rooke year.
In the backfield on offense, Hines’ injury leaves the Bills with James Cook, Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. Running back Darrynton Evans has a workout scheduled in Buffalo, per Titans Wire as well.
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