GREEN BAY – Injuries are never easy, but the situation and timing could not have been worse for Kylin Hill last October.
After a disappointing draft slide, the Packers’ rookie seventh-round pick felt as though he was just beginning to hit his stride and show what he’s all about as Green Bay traveled to play Arizona on Thursday Night Football.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur echoed those feelings, having spoken openly during his news conferences about his desire to get Hill more touches on offense.
All that early momentum was halted, however, when Hill tore his anterior cruciate ligament after a scary incident on a third-quarter kickoff return against the Cardinals. In a flash, his season was over.
It was new territory for the former Mississippi State standout, who’d never sustained a major injury before. Prior to declaring for the NFL Draft, Hill had started all 27 games in which he’d appeared for the Bulldogs during his final three college seasons.
“What’s tough is not being able to play and just watching,” Hill said. “Because I’ve been a part of the game for so long. It’s part of the game. What you gotta do, you gotta do.”
Hill made the Packers’ 53-man roster as the No. 3 running back after amassing 174 all-purpose yards and two of the offense’s three touchdowns during the preseason.
While Hill didn’t return kickoffs in Starkville, the 5-foot-10, 214-pound back was tabbed as Green Bay’s kickoff returner due to his explosiveness and jump-cutting ability.
Hill fit right in with the Packers’ running backs. AJ Dillon often liked to joke with the rookie that Hill’s quickness, strength and deceptive power reminded him of a young Aaron Jones.
To see a major injury rip away a massive opportunity from Hill was difficult for the entire room.
“I know how much it’s hurting him to not be out there,” said Dillon of Hill. “He loves football, loves the game, so I’m excited for him to get back whenever he’s healthy enough to be full go and they give him the green light for him to show…
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