A jet ski accident suffered in the summer of 2023 has proven highly detrimental to Nyheim Hines‘ career. The veteran running back/returner is now seeking a return to the NFL, however. 
Hines suffered a major knee injury as a result of the accident, and it cost him the entire 2023 campaign. Efforts were made to rehab in time for last season, but by October the Browns made it clear he would not be activated from the non-football injury list. The 28-year-old was released by the Browns in February, leaving him free to sign with an interested suitor at any time this offseason.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes Hines now feels his knee has fully recovered. As a result, he is looking to land a deal in time for training camp. The NC State product already took a visit with the Texans this spring, but this latest health update could point to a small market being generated over the coming weeks.
Hines spent four-plus seasons with the Colts to begin his career. He never surpassed 380 rushing yards along the way, but the former fourth-rounder was a consistent producer in the passing game (notching 40 or more receptions in a season four times). Hines also offers value as a kick and punt returner; he has surpassed 1,100 All-Purpose yards twice to date.
Of course, suitors will be hesitant to sign Hines given his missed time and concerns over his knee. Future visits will no doubt include detailed medical tests in this case as teams consider a short-term, low-cost investment. A veteran of 81 games, Hines will provide experience in a backfield along with special teams potential in the event he does manage to land a contract ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Now this is a guy the Bears should bring in for a look see. Swift, Monangai and a healthy Hines sounds better than Roschon with a concussion, A putrid Homer and whatever else they can get on waivers after last cut. It can’t hurt to get him into camp.
Homer was one of your key special teamers. Are you that offended by the nine offensive touches he got last season?
That’s a sell job too. Homer is far from an elite special teamer. He’d be about 10th on my list of guys who are special teamer’s on the Bears. In fact if the Bears signed Hines and cut Homer and his salary right now I’d do a cartwheel. Oh wait, I can’t do a cartwheel. Well I’d be ecstatic anyway.
Hines was a good returner, but he wasn’t that regular a special teamer otherwise, and he hasn’t played an NFL game since he messed up his leg two years ago. I don’t think he’s exactly cartwheel worthy.
He’ll never have to do cartwheels after writing the Fairytale of Orchard Park. (2022/Week 18 vs. New England, 6 days after Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in Cincinnati.)
Bears have pretty good returners already. Duvernay, Zaccheus, Burden and I think even McCloud if he makes the team and Zak Frazier are in line for that so he’s not needed for that. I know he was a decent RB once. Plus even Ian Wheeler could be a solid RB if his knee is fully healed. I’m not as worried about the Bears RB situation as everybody else seems to be. Wheeler might be a beautiful thing to stash on the Practice Squad and keep him in case bad things happen and let him heal even more. I’m not worried about DE or RB really.