Former Colts Playmaker Signs With AFC Foe

Former Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines will be heading to an AFC opponent.

Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines (21) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Former Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the 2025 NFL season, per Adam Schefter (ESPN).

Former Colts and Bills RB Nyheim Hines, who hasn’t played in the NFL for two seasons due to a knee injury, reached agreement today with the Chargers, per source. pic.twitter.com/wfApa0w6oA

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 21, 2025

Hines, who will turn 29 in November, has missed the last two seasons due to injury. He was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2022 before tearing his ACL the next summer. After a short stint in Buffalo, Hines moved to the Cleveland Browns where he didn't touch the field all season.

Hines was originally selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. Aside from being a lethal weapon in the open field, Hines has proven himself as an elite kick and punt returner.

Hines' best season came in 2020, when he racked up 152 touches for 862 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns. In his most recent game at the NFL level, Hines returned two kickoffs for a touchdown.

Ex-#Bills and #Colts RB Nyheim Hines is working out in the Charlotte suburbs to relaunch his NFL career.

This week, @theobserver spent time with Hines as he attacked his workout routine and dished on his road to recovery.

Inside the comeback mission: https://t.co/Q5qrciUMy0 pic.twitter.com/gqjohDW9pf

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 11, 2025

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In over four seasons with the Colts, Hines hauled in 235 receptions for 1,778 yards through the air while tallying 1,202 rushing yards on 306 attempts on the ground. He was a quick, agile weapon who was heavily used in the Frank Reich offense.

Now attempting and NFL comeback, Hines will get a fresh start with the Chargers under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers already have a loaded backfield with Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, but Hines could squeeze in some snaps if he makes the 53-man roster.

Thru my Lens..Nyheim Hines opening kick return. It was the first time the Bills touched the ball since the last time they touched the ball in Cincinnati. It was very emotional on the field in Cincy that night. This day electricity was sky high after this return. #3🙏 pic.twitter.com/r3piqDi48f

— Scott Swenson (@ScottSwenson4) January 9, 2023

The news came only minutes after former Colts and Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers has decided to retire with Los Angeles. Rivers spent the majority of his career with the Chargers, but played one season with the Colts alongside Hines.

Hopefully, Hines is able to prove he has some juice left in the tank following a two-year hiatus.