Bills RB Nyheim Hines was struck by a jet ski, causing season-ending injury

More details have emerged about a freak accident involving Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines. According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, the incident, which resulted in serious injury to Hines, occurred while on a jet ski.

Per Pelissero, Hines was struck by another rider while sitting stationary on a jet ski. He sustained “serious, but non-life threatening injuries.” As a result of the accident, Hines will require surgery and will miss the entire 2023 season.

In his initial report, Pelissero stated that Hines suffered a “significant knee injury.”

While sitting stationary on a jet ski, Nyheim Hines was struck by another rider and sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Hines will require surgery and will miss the 2023 season. https://t.co/hR1VVD7BmW

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 24, 2023

Hines spent the first four full seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. Midway through the 2022 campaign, he was traded to Buffalo.

He appeared in nine games for the Bills last season but totaled just six carries and had -3 rushing yards. He caught three passes for 21 yards while with the team.

In Indianapolis, Hines was utilized for his rushing ability and capabilities of catching the football out of the backfield. During his time in Indy, he accounted for 1,202 rushing and 1,778 receiving yards. He reached the end zone 14 times with the Colts.

Hines also proved to be an excellent return man in both Indianapolis and Buffalo. In his career, he owns four touchdowns via kick returns — two in 2019 with the Colts and two more last season with the Bills.

While it’s certainly unfortunate that Hines is dealing with such a devastating injury, it’s good to hear that he’s not facing life-threatening injuries.

A look at Buffalo’s RB room

Nyheim Hines figured to be a big part of Buffalo’s special teams unit entering the 2023 season. He also brought great versatility to the backfield. So, without question, his absence will be felt.

But Buffalo does return James Cook, who rushed for 507 yards and two touchdowns last year. Buffalo also brought in Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. That should give the Bills some strength in the backfield entering 2023.

Last season, Buffalo enjoyed a 13-3 season, finishing atop the AFC East. The Bills then enjoyed a win in the AFC Wild Card over the Miami Dolphins but fell in the Divisional Round to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The franchise is hoping to take the next step in 2023 and become a Super Bowl contender. Dealing with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Bengals and others doesn’t exactly make that the easiest task.