This season, the Cleveland Browns’ special teams unit has performed admirably, with punter Corey Bojorquez and placekicker Dustin Hopkins emerging as the team’s standout players.
With five games played, Bojorquez has averaged career-highs in yards per punt (51.9 yards) and percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line (46.7 percent), demonstrating his peak performance this season.
Similar to how he started the season, Hopkins has made all but one of his five attempts from 50 yards or more and seven of his eight field goals.
Now, Bubba Ventrone, the special teams coach, might be about to get his standout kick returner back on the field.
Ventrone’s ideas were discussed by analyst Daniel Oyefusi on X Thursday, when the assistant coach mentioned that Nyheim Hines, a running back and kick returner, would soon return to action.
About Hines, Ventrone remarked, “I spoke to him last night. He feels like this is the best he’s felt since everything happened, since he’s been back.” I believe he is near.
Browns ST coordinator Bubba Ventrone on RB/return specialist Nyheim Hines: “I talked to him last night. He feels like this is the best he’s felt since everything happened, since he’s been back. I think he’s close.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 10, 2024
Hines was unable to play for the Buffalo Bills in 2023 due to an off-field incident, hence he hasn’t played since the 2022 NFL season.
In his career, the 5-foot-9 player has returned 89 punts for 1,015 yards and two touchdowns. Hines has also averaged 25.5 yards per return on kickoff returns and has scored on two of his 32 attempts.
Hines will not only be a valuable addition to the special teams unit, but the Browns will also have another offensive weapon in the running back position.
Hines has gained 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns via the air on 306 carries over the course of five seasons.
His efficiency as a pass-catcher out of the backfield has increased; on 240 receptions, he has 1,778 yards and eight touchdowns.
Eagles trailing the Browns in health
In Week 6, the Cleveland Browns go to the Philadelphia Eagles, who are located approximately 430 miles east on Interstate 76, for a crucial road game. The one bright spot for the Browns, who are currently 1-4, is their health. Cleveland also seems to be getting better.
So far this season, injuries have been the main narrative. All season long, the Browns’ offensive and defensive lines have been severely damaged by injuries. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Thursday that defensive end Myles Garrett, tight end David Njoku, and running back D’Onta Foreman were back at practice, which may have been excellent news for Cleveland. Those three might be crucial components for a successful performance in Philadelphia.
The Browns had high hopes going into 2024, especially with Deshaun Watson, their completely healed quarterback. However, Watson hasn’t had enough time in the pocket to be productive this year, and injuries have hampered the team’s postseason plans. A few victories would be all that is needed to get back on track and potentially rejoin the AFC North title race. Cleveland is only two games behind the Steelers and Ravens in the division lead, both at 3-2.
The Steelers, who began the season 3-0, are already losing two straight games and are rapidly deteriorating. The Ravens, who have lost their first two games, are moving in the other direction and have won three straight. If the Browns are to make a major turnaround in 2024, health may play a major role.
