The 2023 NFL season hasn't even started, and the Buffalo Bills have already lost one of their key weapons. Nyheim Hines, the Bills' running back and kick returner, suffered a knee injury off-site, per Tom Pelissero. As a result, Hines will miss the entirety of the 2023 season. This is a brutal blow to a team with clear Super Bowl aspirations.

“#Bills RB Nyheim Hines suffered a significant knee injury off-site and is expected to miss the entire 2023 season, sources tell me and
@RapSheet. A tough break for Buffalo and the versatile Hines, who was acquired at the trade deadline last fall.”

EDIT: A few hours after this report, Pelissero added more context to Hines' injury. According to the insider, the Bills RB was struck by a jet ski rider while he was sitting stationary on his own jet ski. Hines' injuries were serious and required surgery (hence why his season is done), but thankfully, said injuries were not life-threatening. Pelissero would go on to report that Hines had suffered a left ACL injury, and will likely undergo surgery in the next few days.

“While sitting stationary on a jet ski, Nyheim Hines was struck by another rider and sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Hines will require surgery and will miss the 2023 season.”

As Pelissero mentioned in his report, Hines was acquired by the Bills during the 2022 trade deadline to bolster their running game. Buffalo's rushing attack was seen as their biggest weakness last year, and Hines was meant to help add more power to their attack. Hines also served as their primary kick and punt returner during the season, even scoring two kick return TDs against the Patriots in Week 18.

At the very least, the Bills added more depth to their running back position during the offseason. The loss of RB1 Devin Singletary hurts, but they have James Cook returning for 2023. Buffalo also signed ex-Patriots RB Damien Harris, who had a solid 2021 season before injuries hampered his production in 2022.

Still, losing a key piece of the running back room is detrimental, especially with the way running backs are used today. More and more teams are committing to a running back-by-committee approach, and the Bills don't exactly have a player who can function as their bellcow RB. The Bills don't have the money to chase the top-tier RBs available in the market (looking at you, Dalvin Cook), but they still might look for a player to add more depth to their suddenly depleted RB room.