The Indianapolis Colts traded away dynamic playmaker Nyheim Hines and the emergence of the young receivers may have been why.
Entering this season, Nyheim Hines was expected to be one of the biggest offensive weapons for the Indianapolis Colts. Frank Reich told everyone that he would be heavily involved in the offense and that appeared to be evident in training camp as Hines was splitting time between running back and slot receiver, and frequently getting touches in practice. However, as the team prepares for a Week 9 game against the New England Patriots, Hines is preparing for Week 9 as a Buffalo Bill.
What happened between the time that Hines was viewed as a key piece to unlocking the offense and Tuesday when Indy traded Nyheim to Buffalo? Well, one of the things that happened was Hines reportedly requested a trade. However, Indy didn’t have to grant that request, Hines was under contract for two more seasons following this year. But Indy did move Hines because the team didn’t get him involved as they imagined and if they didn’t by now, they probably never would.
That’s especially the case now that Indianapolis has the most, young and promising playmakers on offense that it has in recent years. Although the Colts aren’t where they want to be yet, the emergence of the young offensive weapons likely made letting Nyheim Hines go easier.
Part of the issue, i think, is the Colts thought he’d be used more as a slot. But Parris Campbell is healthy for the first time ever and has basically played 90 percent of those snaps. Right or wrong, just saying that’s one explanation.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 1, 2022
Colts’ young weapons likely aided Nyheim Hines trade
The primary reason Hines’ time on the field in Indy was limited is Jonathan Taylor. Taylor proved to be an elite back and Indianapolis wasn’t interested in taking many snaps away from him. In addition to Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. was the only other proven weapon entering the season. After those two, it appeared to be desperation for the Colts and that’s where Hines was expected to come in and help. However, Indy has seen some breakthroughs for other young weapons.
Parris Campbell is one of the most refreshing breakthroughs. After playing just 15 games in three seasons because of several injuries, Campbell has been able to stay on the field for Indianapolis this season and has been heating up. Over the last three games, he has had a combined 19 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also added one carry for 28 yards. And he’s not the only receiver besides Pittman making noise in Indianapolis right now.
Indy’s first selection in the 2022 Draft, Alec Pierce, has quickly proved that he may just be unguardable one-on-one. In seven games as a rookie, Pierce has already caught 24-of-38 targets for 373 yards and one touchdown. He’s good for at least one explosive catch a game. He’s been the most promising part of a pretty exciting Colts’ draft class.
Along with Pierce are fellow rookies Jelani Woods and Drew Ogletree. Ogletree dominated training camp before tearing his ACL but his return next season has a lot of folks excited. Woods has proven to be an absolute threat in the red zone, with three touchdowns already in just six career catches.
Throw in veterans Kylen Granson and Ashton Dulin, and the Colts don’t seem as pressed for weapons as they once did. That may not seem like the case since Indianapolis has one of the league’s worst offenses but Indy’s biggest issues on offense are the offensive line and protecting the football. They have quite a few guys now that can make plays with the ball in their hands and that’s likely why Indy was comfortable letting Nyheim Hines find a better opportunity.
The rest of the Colts season may look like the Washington game and that may not be a bad thing
The Indianapolis Colts played a fun but disappointing game on Sunday and it’s probably much more of that to come this season.