The New Orleans Saints are bringing in some veteran insurance at running back, signing Nyheim Hines to their practice squad as injuries continue to pile up in the backfield. With Alvin Kamara and rookie Devin Neal both nursing lower-body injuries-Kamara dealing with an ankle and Neal with a knee-the Saints are clearly looking to bolster their depth heading into the final stretch of the season.
Hines, 29, has had one of those NFL journeys that’s seen him bounce between opportunity and uncertainty. Originally drafted in the fourth round by the Colts in 2018, he carved out a niche early on as a dual-threat back-quick, shifty, and dangerous in space. His versatility earned him a three-year, $18.6 million extension with Indianapolis in 2021, a rare payday for a back who made his biggest impact as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
But the NFL moves fast. The Colts traded Hines to the Bills at the 2022 trade deadline, and while he flashed in Buffalo-particularly on special teams-his offensive role never quite took off. He finished that season with 33 rushing yards on 24 carries and 30 catches for 241 yards and two total touchdowns, appearing in 16 games split between the Colts and Bills.
Since then, it’s been a winding road. He signed a one-year deal with the Browns worth up to $3.5 million, then landed with the Chargers this past summer.
His stint in L.A. has been a revolving door-signed, released, re-signed-spending time on both the practice squad and active roster. In 2025, Hines has appeared in just three games, logging two carries for negative two yards.
Still, what Hines brings to the table is experience, versatility, and the ability to contribute on special teams-an area where he’s made splash plays in the past. For the Saints, this is a low-risk move with potential upside, especially if Kamara or Neal miss time. Even if Hines doesn’t see immediate game action, his presence in the locker room and familiarity with multiple offensive systems could prove valuable as New Orleans pushes through the late-season grind.
The Saints have leaned heavily on Kamara this year, and with Neal showing flashes as a rookie, the backfield had been shaping up nicely. But the injuries have forced the front office to act quickly. Hines may not be the game-breaker he once was projected to be, but in a league where depth is everything-especially in December-his signing could be more important than the stat sheet might suggest.
For now, he joins the practice squad, but don’t be surprised if he’s elevated soon. The Saints need healthy bodies in the backfield, and Hines, with his pass-catching chops and return ability, could be just what they’re looking for to weather this stretch.