Nyheim Hines’ 84-yard punt return touchdown has Colts rolling early
INDIANAPOLIS — Having the Carolina Panthers punt again paid off for the Indianapolis Colts.
Returner Nyheim Hines became the first Colts player to return a punt for a touchdown since 2012 with an 84-yard return that was capped off with him running through the tunnel before returning to the field. Hines fielded the ball at the Colts’ 16-yard line, started left along his team’s sideline and picked up great blocks from linebackers Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed to free him up. The only player Hines had to beat after a final block from running back Jonathan Williams was Panthers punter Michael Palardy. Palardy had no chance.
To the house ➡️ Down the tunnel. @TheNyNy7 takes it ALL THE WAY ‼️ pic.twitter.com/cMf5JNVe3y
Hines gave him a fake to the right toward the middle of the field before breaking back to the left and blowing by him the final 30 yards for the touchdown. The Colts elected to have the Panthers punt again after offsetting penalties on both teams. Hines is the first player since T.Y. Hilton in Week 12 of the 2012 season to return a punt for a touchdown. Hilton’s return was 75 yards.
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