Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550/WBEN) - The Buffalo Bills appear to be taking a huge hit to their running backs room on Monday with multiple reports indicating that Nyhiem Hines will be lost for the 2023 season.
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As first reported by NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, Hines is expected to miss the entirety of the 2023 season after suffering a significant knee injury that took place "off-site".
Pelissero says the injury happened when Hines was sitting stationary on a jet ski and was struck by another rider. He says Hines sustained "serious, but non-life-threatening injuries" that will require surgery.
Hines played nine games for the Bills last season after being acquired from the Indianapolis Colts at the NFL Trade Deadline. Hines played mostly on special teams as Buffalo's punt and kick returner.
The most memorable moment from Hines' tenure with the Bills, to this point, was when he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in Buffalo's Week 18 win over the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. This coming less than a week after the emotional developments with safety Damar Hamlin going into cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on "Monday Night Football".
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With the injury to Hines, the Bills now have an open competition for kick and punt returning duties once the team opens training camp on Wednesday.
Buffalo's first practice on July 26 kicks off at 9:45 a.m. ET.