How does Nyheim Hines Fit Into the Bills Offense?
Photo Credit: Rich Barnes, USA Today Sports
Right before the trade deadline on Tuesday, November 1st, the Buffalo Bills traded away Zack Moss and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2023 to the Indianapolis Colts for runningback Nyheim Hines. The Bills had been looking for a pass-catching back to add to their team since they tried to sign J.D. McKissic in March, and while they did sign Duke Johnson and drafted James Cook to fill that particular role, they’ve finally found a veteran receiving back who is a proven commodity and a weapon that defenses have to account for. As the Bills are in win-now mode, Hines is an instant upgrade to their backfield and can produce for them in the passing game, the run game, and on special teams.
Hines enters the Bills backfield as their RB2 and primary third-down back. Zack Moss, who was included in the trade, had fallen out of favor in Buffalo after a disappointing sophomore season in 2021 and the drafting of Cook, and while Cook has shown flashes and performed well the past three games against the Steelers, Chiefs, and Packers, he hasn’t done enough yet to where the Bills coaching staff trusts him to be the number two back behind Devin Singletary. Hines can come in immediately and be Josh Allen’s safety valve and a Swiss army knife in an offense that is championship caliber. While there is some redundancy in having two backs in Hines and Cook whose strengths lie in the receiving game, Hines presence can help Cook in terms of being able to acclimate more to the speed of the NFL, and focus more on learning the Bills offensive playbook than having to be a major contributor right away. He can also serve as their punt returner right away, a role currently filled by rookie wide receiver Khalil Shakir. With Hines’ unique skill set, the Bills believe that he can serve as another chess piece for offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, and be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Following a loss in the Meadowlands to their division rival New York Jets, they hope that he can be one of the players that can help right the ship offensively as they try to win their third AFC East division title in a row.
