INDIANAPOLIS — It took a little longer than anticipated, but Nyheim Hines is right where he thought he would be.
Playing again in the NFL.
That might involve returning kicks and perhaps handling a few offensive snaps for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday when his former team, the Indianapolis Colts, venture into SoFi Stadium.
It would represent a full-circle experience for Hines, a member of the Colts’ transformational 2018 draft class whose promising career was interrupted for two years following a jet-ski accident in July 2023. He tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee.
“Trials and tribulations,’’ Hines said of a rehab journey that forced him to miss 2023 and ’24. “There have been a lot of tough days.
“This is a testament of how much you want it. If you really want something, what are you willing to do for it?’’
His stubbornness to reestablish himself as NFL-worthy wasn’t deterred by spending last season on the Cleveland Browns’ non-football injury list or remaining an unwanted free agent until signing with the Chargers in mid-July.
“I knew I belonged,’’ Hines said. “I’m young.’’
He’ll turn 29 in November.
“I got into the league when I was 21 years old,’’ he said. “I knew how much left I had in the tank. I was never RB1, so I haven’t taken the hits they have.
“I still have my speed. I still have my burst.’’
At least initially, that’s what the Chargers are expecting from Hines, although his roster status is the definition of week-to-week.
- *July 22, signed.
- Aug. 26, released.
- Aug. 27, signed to the practice squad.
- Sept. 9, released from the practice squad.
- Oct. 8, signed to the practice squad.
- Oct. 11, elevated to the active roster for the week 6 road trip to Miami. He contributed 29, 28 and 40-yard kickoff returns, with the latter being the Chargers’ longest of the season.
- Oct. 13, reverted to the practice squad.
Another elevation to the active roster is required for Hines to play against his former team.
“I’m not going to look at it as bigger than it is,’’ he said. “It’s the next game. It’s my second game, and it’s another opportunity for me.’’
The Colts hold a special place in Hines’ heart. After being a versatile, productive player for four-plus seasons, the 2018 fourth-round pick was traded to Buffalo eight games into Indy’s chaotic 2022 season.
“I didn’t leave the Colts with a bad taste in my mouth,’’ Hines said. “Chris (Ballard) has done a great job over there. I’m not looking for any revenge. The Irsays changed my life. They gave me that contract.’’
In September 2021, Ballard gave Hines a three-year, $18.6 million extension that included $12 million in guarantees.
“I know Carlie (Irsay-Gordon) is going to be great at what she does,’’ Hines said. “I’ve seen her with the headset and everybody on social media is talking about it. They don’t know she’s been doing that and been in meetings since I was there.
“I love that organization. When I retire one day, I’m going to call Chris or whoever’s there. I’m going to retire a Colt. Indy is a place I will always love.’’
During the offseason, Hines worked out for four or five teams. One was the Colts, who were interested in gauging whether he was sound enough to play following the knee injury.
“I wanted to come back there,’’ Hines said. “But truthfully, they have a good running backs room over there.’’
Fifth-round pick DJ Giddens was given jersey 21. That was Hines’ number.
“I was like, ‘Holy crap,’’’ Hines said with a laugh.
In the grand scheme of Hines’ athletic life, the Colts just happen to be next on the schedule, even though he admits he’ll probably deal with some pre-game nerves.
“Super excited to play the Colts,’’ he said. “I’m super excited to see everybody.’’
He rattled off the names of linebacker Zaire Franklin, another member of the 2018 draft class, and David Thornton, the team’s vice-president of team engagement.
“But as soon as they kick the ball off,’’ Hines said, “I’m on the other side.’’
He was insistent on clearing up one misperception.
“The goal wasn’t to get back,’’ he said. “The goal was to get back and eat. That’s where I’m at.
“Throughout these last two years, a lot of people motivated me. They thought I was done.’’
Before the jet-ski accident — “The injury changed the course of my life,’’ he said. “It was a horrific moment in my life.’’ — Hines was a productive three-down-type running back and premier returner.
In 72 games with the Colts, he accounted for 19 TDs — 10 as a runner, seven as a receiver, two on punt returns. In a week 16 2019 meeting with the Carolina Panthers, Hines set franchise single-game records with 195 yards and two TDs on three punt returns.
In his final game with Buffalo in week 18 of 2022, he exploded for 96 and 101-yard TDs on kickoff returns.
“I feel like every team I’ve been on, I’ve always made plays,’’ Hines said. “This game is art and I hope through my art I always will be loved by every team I’ve been on.
“Everybody thinks I’m back. This is where I was supposed to be. I’m not going to be back until I do what I’m supposed to do, which is to go out there and get in that end zone and do some backflips and do whatever I choose to do for my celebration.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.