Browns Cut Ties with Veteran RB Over Injury Woes.

Browns Cut Ties with Veteran RB Over Injury Woes.

The Cleveland Browns have officially parted ways with veteran running back Nyheim Hines after a challenging period marked by injury setbacks. Signed last offseason, Hines was expected to bring speed and versatility to the team’s offense and special teams, with a career total of 2,980 scrimmage yards, 18 touchdowns, and four return scores. However, a severe ACL tear from a jetski accident in July 2023 kept him sidelined for the second consecutive season. Although he returned to practice in October, Hines wasn’t activated to the 53-man roster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone expressed disappointment, stating that while Hines worked hard to recover, his speed and explosiveness never returned to the necessary level. Ventrone acknowledged that Hines could have been a valuable asset, but his injury hindered his ability to contribute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Known for his kick return ability and pass-catching skills, Hines did not appreciate being labeled merely a “return specialist.” He emphasized his prowess as a receiver out of the backfield, pointing out that he had over 230 catches in five years—an uncommon feat for a return specialist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even if healthy, Hines’ potential role on the team remained uncertain. Fellow offseason addition D’Onta Foreman struggled with limited reps, finishing with just 71 carries, mostly after Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury. Cleveland’s ground game was among the worst in the NFL, ranking 29th with just 94.6 rushing yards per game. Jerome Ford led the team with 565 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 37 catches for 225 yards, highlighting the Browns’ ongoing struggles in the backfield.