Colts: 3 players who might surprise you in Week 1 battle
By Adam Weinrib
2. Nyheim Hines
Nyheim Hines will have several special teams chances to make an impact for the Colts.
The Colts will be using the Jaguars matchup as an opportunity to show off their ability to score on you from all angles.
No, they won’t be unveiling all of Frank Reich’s gadget plays — those will be reserved for a special occasion.
But each individual Colt on offense, from the backfield to the slot, wants to prove that the offensive attack has been very much upgraded this time around. So as Rivers airs it out and uses his bruising backfield to their full effect, don’t forget about scat back Nyheim Hines — and not just on offense.
Yes, Hines can be a Darren Sproles-esque favorite for Rivers in checkdown situations, but he also hasn’t been a major part of an offseason discussion dominated by Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack discourse. Nobody wants to be the third head in a three-headed backfield, and Hines will also have a series of punt return opportunities to prove himself valuable in Sunday’s game, which he’ll be extra motivated to take advantage of.
The Colts’ beat for the Indy Star believes that a breakout season in the return game is en route for Hines — they even sent him to the hypothetical Pro Bowl. And it all begins this week.