Though they’re set to kick off their 2023 training camp this Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills are short one key reserve player – Nyheim Hines.

Running back Nyheim Hines is expected to miss the entire season after suffering a serious injury to his knee.

In a recent accident, Nyheim Hines, 26, was “sitting stationary on a jet ski” when he was struck by another rider, said Tom Pelissero, per NFL News and other sources. His injuries are serious, but non-life threatening. Hines suffered an injury to his left knee and will likely have surgery to repair his damaged ACL this week. The surgery is liable to have him on the no-play list for the duration of the season. 

Hines was set to head into this round of training camp as the team’s primary kick and punt returner. He would also likely compete for opportunities at a running back position against Damien Harris and Latavius Murray, who were both acquired in the recent offseason. 

He is expected to return for the 2024 season.

The Bills acquired Hines last year, for a trade of Zack Moss and a fifth-round pick in a midseason trade with the Colts. However, he was rarely utilized in a crowded Buffalo offense – underutilized, some would say. 

To prove that point, Hines delivered one of the Bills most explosive moments of their previous season, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown less then a week after the Bills’ game in Cincinnati was canceled when Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field. Hines later returned another kickoff for a touchdown in that same game.

Hines’ contract was revamped during the offseason to reduce his cap hit this year from $4.79 million to $3.5 million, saving the Bills $1.3 million. Also in that restructure, he was set to receive a $1 million signing bonus, spread out over this year and next, with $2 million guaranteed on his contract.