“I could do better not putting myself in that situation,” the Cleveland Browns running back said. “It was a freak accident, but I’ve learned my lessons from that mistake. I won’t put myself in the situation to even miss the season off the field. … Based off that, I could say whatever I want to about the Bills, but really it’s on me. I shouldn’t have put myself in that situation.”

Hines was acquired by the Buffalo Bills hours before the 2022 trade deadline and played 11 games with the team that season, including two playoff contests.

The 2018 fourth-round pick made his biggest impact in Western New York in Week 18 against the New England Patriots when he had the third and fourth kickoff-return touchdowns of his career in what was Buffalo’s first contest since Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest.

Hines suffered a torn ACL last July while on a jet ski after being hit by another rider. The 27-year-old spent last season on injured reserve and the Bills let Hines walk in free agency.

The North Carolina State product signed a one-year deal with the Browns on March 13, joining a backfield that includes Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford and D’Onta Foreman.

Hines’ best season came in 2020 when he finished with career highs in rushing attempts (89), rushing yards (380), rushing touchdowns (three), receiving yards (482), receiving touchdowns (four), catch percentage (82.9 percent), touches (152) and yards from scrimmage (862), while tying his career high for receptions (63). Hines also led the NFL with 30 punt returns that year.