After the signing of Nyheim Hines, what does this mean for Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris?
Nyheim Hines Back In NFL After Two-Year Hiatus
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 is back in the NFL after a two-year absence.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hines and the Chargers have agreed to terms on a contract. Hines signed a deal after working out for the team on Monday.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Hines in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Hines primarily served as the change-of-pace back who primarily came in on passing downs. After four-and-a-half seasons with the Colts, Hines was traded to the Buffalo Bills in November 2022.
Hines became Buffalo’s return specialist. In Week 18 against the New England Patriots, Hines returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in a 35-23 victory.
During the 2023 offseason, Hines suffered a torn ACL after being struck by a personal watercraft. Hines missed the entire 2023 season.
Hines signed with the Cleveland Browns ahead of the 2024 season. Hines did not appear for Cleveland, which led to his release in February 2025.
Hines, 28, will look to step on the field in a regular-season game for the first time since that game against the Patriots.
The versatile back has 1,202 rushing yards, 1,778 receiving yards, and 1,832 returning yards.
What Does The Nyheim Hines Signing Mean For Najee Harris?
Breaking: Chargers RB Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a 4th of July fireworks mishap, sources tell @AdamSchefter.
He is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season. pic.twitter.com/bT5Pclspxh
— ESPN (@espn) July 10, 2025
The Hines’ signing comes in the wake of the injury to Harris.
Over the Fourth of July holiday, Harris was involved in a fireworks explosion that led to a severe eye injury.
Doug Hendrickson, Harris’ agent, released a statement on behalf of his client: “Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees. Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
Even though Harris is supposed to be ready for the start of the season, signing Hines could be an insurance policy for the Chargers’ backfield.
The Chargers drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round. With Harris out to start training camp, Hampton is in line to start the season at running back one.
The Chargers’ running back room also includes Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Jaret Patterson, and Raheim Sanders.
