Browns cut RB Hines after second missed season

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns on Tuesday terminated the contract of running back Nyheim Hines, who was sidelined for a second consecutive season after suffering an ACL tear during a personal watercraft accident in July 2023.

Cleveland signed Hines to a one-year deal last offseason, but he began the season on the non-football injury list as he continued his rehab. The Browns designated him to return to practice in mid-October but did not activate him to the 53-man roster at the conclusion of his 21-day practice window. Because Hines spent the entire season on the NFI list and was in the final year of his contract, the deal tolled to the 2025 season.

Hines, 28, spent his first six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills before signing with the Browns. He has accumulated 2,980 scrimmage yards and totaled 18 touchdowns in his career, while also returning two punt returns and two kickoffs for scores.