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Buffalo Bills RB Nyheim Hines is expected to miss the entire 2023 NFL season after suffering a knee injury while off-site during training camp, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Hines was sitting stationary on a jet ski, when another rider struck him and causes “serious, but non-life threatening injuries.”
The Bills acquired Hines from the Indianapolis Colts before the trade deadline last season. He was used scarcely in 2022, even after going to Buffalo. Hines had 24 carries for 33 yards and one TD while posting 30 catches for 241 yards and one TD. Let’s look at how this injury might impact the Bills offense and the RBs for fantasy football.
Hines was really only veteran insurance on the depth chart. James Cook is expected to lead the backfield as the starter while Damien Harris was brought in as the backup/change-of-pace back. Hines would have served potentially as a third option and receiving specialist for certain situations/third downs. The Bills also have Latavius Murray on the roster as well as rookie Jordan Mims.
This could help solidify Cook’s role in the offense a bit more. His usage last season was all over the place. One week, the Bills would give him double-digit carries. Next week, he’d be relegated behind Devin Singletary. Another week, Cook would have five catches on six targets. The next, nothing in the passing game. Harris should get carries but Cook, you’d think, gets the majority of the snaps and third-down work in the passing game now that Hines is out.