Nyheim Hines DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Cleveland Browns released running back Nyheim Hines (knee) on Tuesday. Hines has not played in an NFL game due to a torn ACL since 2022, when he split time with the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. The Browns were hoping that the 28-year-old would be ready at some point in 2024, but that never came to pass and he spent all year on Injured Reserve. He'll now have to prove he's past his knee injury in order to get picked up by another team looking for a RB with pass-catching skills out of the backfield as depth at the position. The former fourth-rounder (104th overall) by the Colts in 2018 out of North Carolina State has 306 rushing attempts for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 240 receptions for 1,778 receiving yards and eight TDs in five NFL seasons. Even if Hines latches on with a new team for 2025, he won't be on the fantasy radar.

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee) was not officially activated from Non-Football Injury list within his 21-day practice window, meaning he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Hines will end up missing the entire season in Cleveland after tearing his ACL in a jet-ski accident in July of 2023. With Nick Chubb returning from his own devastating knee injury last week, there just wasn't room for the 27-year-old pass-catching specialist on the Browns' active 53-man roster heading into a Week 8 contest against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jerome Ford (hamstring) missed the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but the Browns also have D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. as depth at the position behind Chubb.

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee) was not activated before their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram. Hines is still recovering from his torn ACL. However, the 27-year-old did log three full practices this week, which suggests he will return in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. Last season, Hines tallied only 36 yards on the ground with one score but caught 25 passes for 188 yards through the air. This weekend, fantasy managers should expect Nick Chubb (knee) and D'Onta Foreman to lead the backfield. When Hines does return, he should see most of his work on passing downs.

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee), who is coming off surgery for a torn ACL, will remain on the Non-Football Injury list for the start of the 2024 regular season and will miss at least the first four games. Hines and fellow RB Nick Chubb (knee) pushed each other and made great strides during their rehab, but they both need more time and won't be available until at least a Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders on the road. The 27-year-old Hines tore his ACL when he was hit by a jet ski last summer and missed all of the 2023 campaign. At best, he'll be a pass-catching option on third downs for the Browns when he's able to return, making him only worth a flier in deep PPR leagues that have multiple IR spots. As things stand right now, Cleveland's RB room only includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. after they released D'Onta Foreman on Tuesday.

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee) was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list on Wednesday. Hines has been working his way back from a torn ACL suffered before 2023's training camp in a jet ski accident. Once passing a physical, Hines should be in line to compete for a role as a returner and pass-catching specialist. Hines has a shot to get real work with the Browns' backfield up in the air. Nick Chubb (knee) began training camp on the PUP list and the team has Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman slated for backfield work as Chubb recovers. If Hines can earn a role in the Browns offense, he would be somebody to watch on fantasy waiver wires. For now, monitor Hines and his recovery.