The LA Chargers kicked off the preseason with a rare July football game, squaring off against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. With a game already in the books on July 31, Chargers fans know more about their favorite team heading into 2025 than most.
This includes both the good and bad. There are rookies, such as KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who have already captured the imagination of the fanbase. Then there is the other side — the players who already seem to be biding their time until the inevitable cut that is coming.
Being one of the newest players on the team won't save Nyheim Miller-Hines from that fate. Miller-Hines recently signed a one-year deal with the Chargers as he attempts an NFL comeback and while he looked good in the Hall of Fame Game, the end result will likely be the same.
Nyheim Miller-Hines is entering his last (and first) full month with the Chargers
Miller-Hines wasn't the only Chargers running back who put together a good showing in the Hall of Fame Game, which is good for the Bolts but bad for his chances of making the roster.
Last year's preseason hype train, Kimani Vidal, continued his preseason success with two touchdowns in a game where he got the majority of the running back snaps. Vidal could theoretically not make the roster but it would take a bad preseason. He is off to a great start.
The running back who Miller-Hines is really competing with is Hassan Haskins. Unfortunately for Miller-Hines, Haskins also had a solid game. He picked up 34 yards on six carries and averaged 4.83 yards per carry after contact, which was the most on the team.
Haskins also has three inherent advantages that will help his roster chances. He is younger than Miller-Hines, played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, and is legitimately great on special teams. If there is any kind of debate, Haskins' special-teams play will be the tiebreaker.
Theoretically, Miller-Hines could still make the 53-man roster if Najee Harris opens the season on IR, which is a possibility. That being said, Harris' agent said he should be ready for the start of the season, which leaves absolutely no room for Miller-Hines.
Harris opening the season on IR wouldn't even outright guarantee Miller-Hines a roster spot, though. The Chargers could run three running backs on the depth chart knowing that Harris' return is around the corner. That is not out of the realm of possibility.
Barring multiple injuries to the running backs ahead of him, all signs are pointing to Miller-Hines eventually being cut by the Chargers. But if he keeps putting together good games in the preseason, he will at least cement his spot on the practice squad.