CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 2: Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills tackles Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Paycor Stadium on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has shown remarkable progress since a frightening injury on the football field Monday that has shaken up the entire NFL world.
In the past 24 hours, in particular, the former six-round pick has had his oxygen tube removed and can now breathe on his own.
“His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team,” The Bills said in a Twitter post.
In addition, Hamlin Face-Timed into the Bills’ meeting today and stated “love you boys” to his teammates, coaches and staff members.
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The latest developments seem monumental considering the state Hamlin was in just a few days ago.
On Monday Night Football, Hamlin in the first quarter collapsed after taking contact from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgin and went into cardiac arrest.
Doctors immediately provided CPR to the 24-year-old and were able to revive him.
Hamlin was taken to the hospital and was declared in critical condition later on Monday – but has continued to progress since then.
Many doctors believe the unfortunate timing of the chest blow caused Hamilin’s heart to stop.
Bills star quarterback Josh Allen stood up for Higgins after seeing him get criticism on social media.
“That’s a football play and I hope he doesn’t hold that upon himself because there’s nothing else he could’ve done in that situation,” Allen told reporters Thursday. “Hopefully he found some relief today.”
While the Bills looked traumatized after seeing their teammate collapse on Monday, Allen and head coach Sean McDermott said Thursday that they now feel ready to play football on Sunday considering the progress that’s been made.
The Bills will play the rival New England Patriots on Sunday.
If the Bills win and the Kansas City Chiefs lose, the Bills would get a first-round bye week.
There are a number of other scenarios – but if both teams win on Sunday then the AFC championship game will be played at a “neutral site.”
The Bills and Bengals game will not be resumed after being suspended on Monday after the scare.
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