With just 10 days before the Los Angeles Chargers face the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame game, a shakeup in the running back room forced the team back into evaluation mode. On Monday, the Chargers reached an agreement with veteran running back Nyheim Hines, adding a seasoned utility option to a backfield that recently saw Najee Harris land on the injury list.
The signing, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, follows a successful workout with the team earlier in the day.
“The #Chargers worked out veteran RB and returner Nyheim Hines today, per source,” noted NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Hines, 28, brings both versatility and experience, having last appeared in an NFL game in 2022 with the Buffalo Bills.
Chargers Sign Nyheim Hines 10 Days Ahead Of Hall Of Fame Game
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Originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Hines carved out a niche as a dual-threat back and reliable return specialist. After signing a three-year, $18.6 million extension with the Colts in 2021, he was traded to Buffalo midway through the 2022 season. That year, he appeared in 16 total games—seven with the Colts and nine with the Bills—posting 241 receiving yards on 30 catches and two total touchdowns. On the ground, however, he struggled, averaging just 1.4 yards per carry on 24 attempts.
Hines signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2023, but a preseason ACL injury suffered in a jet ski accident kept him sidelined the entire year. Now healthy, he’s looking to revive his career in Los Angeles—potentially as a returner and passing-down option out of the backfield.
Harris Injury Complicates Camp
The Chargers entered 2025 training camp with what looked like a retooled backfield centered around offseason addition Najee Harris, who arrived via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. While expectations were high, Harris has been placed on the injury list, putting his availability for the preseason—and possibly Week 1—into question.
Harris was expected to shoulder the bulk of the early-down workload in Jim Harbaugh’s offense, which is predicated on physicality and balance. His absence creates uncertainty, and Hines’ signing—though likely to fill a specialized role—adds some stability to a unit now facing depth concerns.
A Crowded Running Back Room
With Hines now officially on board, the Chargers’ running back group swells to seven players:
- Najee Harris – U/PIT (currently injured)
- Omarion Hampton – 2025 first-round pick
- Hassan Haskins – Waiver claim from Tennessee
- Kimani Vidal – 2024 sixth-round pick
- Jaret Patterson – Signed off 49ers practice squad
- Raheim Sanders – Undrafted rookie
- Nyheim Hines – Veteran free-agent signing
The volume of backs is less about luxury and more about necessity. With Harris banged up and Harbaugh still identifying a go-to backup, reps are wide open.
Harbaugh’s Second Year Brings New Expectations
Hines joins a team on the rise. In Jim Harbaugh’s first season, the Chargers defied modest preseason expectations, making the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Despite a Wild Card exit at the hands of the Houston Texans, the season was viewed as a success. Rookie wideout Ladd McConkey emerged as a top target, and Justin Herbert returned to full health—throwing for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns.
But 2025 brings a different kind of challenge.
“This team won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year,” one AFC scout said. “That defense is nasty, and Herbert looks completely comfortable in Harbaugh’s system.”
The Chargers open the regular season with a marquee matchup against the defending AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil—part of the NFL’s international series. A healthy Harris would provide the type of physical tone-setter Harbaugh prefers, but even without him, Los Angeles will look to set the tone early.
Special Teams Factor Could Be Key
While Hines may not compete for early-down carries, his value could be most apparent on special teams. He has four career punt return touchdowns and two kick return scores, including two in a single game for the Bills in January 2023. That kind of explosiveness is something the Chargers have lacked in recent years—and it may ultimately be what secures Hines a roster spot.
Final Word
As the Chargers eye a deeper postseason run in 2025, maintaining roster flexibility and depth remains a priority. Hines may not be a headline addition, but his versatility as a returner and receiving back could prove critical—especially with Najee Harris temporarily sidelined.
In the Harbaugh era, roles are earned, not guaranteed. And for Hines, the opportunity to re-establish himself is now officially on the table in Los Angeles.
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