Source: Hines to Bolts after 2 years out injured

Running back Nyheim Hines, who hasn't played in the NFL the past two seasons because of a knee injury, reached agreement on a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.

Hines reached a deal after trying out for the team Monday.

Hines first tore his left ACL while he was with the Buffalo Bills in July 2023 when he was struck by a jet ski. Before the injury, he was set to go into training camp as Buffalo's primary kick and punt returner.

He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2024 but did not play last season because of his injury and was released by the team in February.

Running backs are the focal point of Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman's game plan, which is why they drafted running back Omarion Hampton in the first round despite signing veteran running back Najee Harris in free agency.

Hines gives the Chargers an experienced running back who is accomplished on special teams to compete with backup running backs Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Jaret Patterson. Undrafted rookie running back Raheim Sanders has missed the past three days of practice, and Hines' signing makes the roster an uphill battle.

Hines, 28, has accumulated 2,980 scrimmage yards and totaled 18 touchdowns in his career that began with the Indianapolis Colts, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. He also has returned two punt returns and two kickoffs for scores.

ESPN's Kris Rhim contributed to this report.