Buffalo, New York (AP) After the running back was hit by a jet ski and suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Buffalo Bills will have to abandon their plans to use his versatility in their scheme, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press on Monday.
The Bills started reporting for training camp, which will start on Wednesday in the suburbs of Rochester, as news of Hines' injury broke.
The individual who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the Bills had not released information about Hines' injuries said that Hines was seated on a stationary jet ski when he was struck by another water scooter. Hines will need surgery, the source claimed.
Hines' injury was initially reported by the NFL Network.
The precise moment and location of his injuries were unknown at the time.
The Bills were depending on using the 26-year-old Hines' speed and pass-catching skills to play a diverse role in their offense and on special teams this season because James Cook is anticipated to take over the lead running back position.
After losing starting quarterback Devin Singletary to free agency this summer, Buffalo is moving on and has added depth to the position with the signings of Damien Harris and Latavius Murray.
Hines, who has a contract through 2024, was acquired by Buffalo in a trade that sent backup running back Zack Moss to Indianapolis in November. He has five seasons of NFL experience.
Despite playing a very small part in Buffalo's offense to end the previous campaign, Hines returned two kickoffs for touchdowns from 96 and 101 yards in the Bills' 35-23 victory over New England, which eliminated the Patriots from playoff contention. Since Leon Washington returned two kickoffs for scores in 2010, he became the first Bills player and the first NFL player to accomplish it in a single game.
In total, Hines has 240 catches for 1,778 yards receiving and eight touchdowns, along with 306 carries for 1,202 yards rushing and 10.
