Eagles May Be a Fit for Former Playmaker Plotting NFL Comeback

Nyheim Hines hasn’t played a snap since 2022. What followed was anything but a storybook career: A freak jet ski accident in the summer of 2023 tore his ACL and MCL, sidelining him for the entire 2023 season, while also casting serious doubt on his future in the NFL.

But now, after months of rehab and hard work, Hines is plotting a comeback—and one team makes more sense than most. With the Philadelphia Eagles in need of a spark in their return game and head coach Nick Sirianni familiar with Hines from their days together in Indianapolis, a reunion in Philly could be the perfect next chapter in one of the league’s most intriguing redemption stories.

Sirianni, who served as Indy’s offensive coordinator from 2018–2020 when Hines was drafted, is more familiar than most with Hines’ game.

Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP floated the idea of adding Hines, who could be a low-risk option for Philadelphia. Let’s discuss.

A Look Back at Hines’ NFL Career So Far

Selected in the fourth round (104th overall) by the Colts in 2018, Hines emerged as a dual threat almost immediately, rushing for 314 yards and two touchdowns, while also hauling in 63 passes for 425 yards and two receiving TDs. His ability to line up both in the backfield and in the slot made him a versatile weapon on offense.

Over five seasons with the Colts (2018–2022), Hines continued to demonstrate his utility as a change-of-pace back and special teams ace. He amassed 1,202 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs, along with 240 receptions for 1,778 yards and 8 receiving TDs.

On special teams, he delivered explosive moments, most notably in 2019, when he returned two punts for touchdowns in one game (84 and 71 yards), a feat that earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

In 2022, Hines was traded mid-season to the Buffalo Bills. He hauled in a receiving TD and electrified fans with two kickoff return TDs in Week 18 (96 and 101 yards), making him one of just a few players in NFL history to score twice on kickoff returns in a single game.

Following that season, the jet ski accident happened, causing him to miss the next two years.

After nearly two years of rehabilitation, Hines has declared himself ready to return to the NFL.

How Nyheim Hines Could Fit in With the Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia currently has a need for depth and dynamism in the return game—even after signing Avery Williams. Hines’s proven special teams track record certainly intrigues. His ability to shift between running back, slot receiver and return specialist also gives him positional flexibility.

While there are legit concerns about post-injury explosiveness, his work ethic and prior production give grounds for optimism. His speed (4.38 second 40-yard dash) and his ability to stay durable—in part evidenced by no missed games before his injury—add credibility to his comeback bid. His history with Sirianni doesn’t hurt, either.

For his part, Hines says he’s grateful to be sharing his story at all.

“I’m far from done, and the story is in my hand,” Hines told Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. “I put myself in this position, but as athletes, we’re in an unfortunate situation in a job … that we can’t control everything, but the pen is always in our hand, based on our performance. So, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to grab that pen and write whatever story I want.”

“I could have died,” Hines also noted. “So many things could have been worse. So, I’m thankful that I’m here to tell this story and be an example of what you don’t need to do.”