The Evander EllisBuffalo Bills may be without running back and kick returner Nyheim Hines for the entire 2023 season after he suffered what's being called a "significant knee injury."

According to an NFL Network report, Hines was sitting on a jet ski when he was hit by another rider. He sustained "serious, but not life-threatening injuries" that will require surgery, the report said.

Hines was acquired by the Bills from the Indianapolis Colts last November. Although he wasn't able to make much of a mark on offense, he did thrive as a kick returner in Buffalo, taking two kickoffs back for touchdowns in the regular-season finale against the New England Patriots.

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Hines, 26, was expected to fill the role of third-down back this year for the Bills, behind starter James Cook and free agent signee Damien Harris. Wide receiver Khalil Shakur is the likely favorite to take over as the team's main return man.