The Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin gained widespread recognition among the NFL community following his terrible collapse on the field, suffering from a concussion. The incident inspired Bills fans to pray more for the player’s recovery than for him to play again because, at the time of the incident, many of them believed it would be their final chance to see the safety alive.
To put an end to all the rumors, Hamlin was predicted to play as the Iron Man when the Bills faced the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. However, the player’s comeback remains a dream for his supporters, and it looks like that sentiment will hold true for their upcoming match.
Hamlin is likely inactive for the Bengals clash
The Bills are slated to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9 on Sunday. Like every game, this time the fans are eagerly waiting to see if Damar Hamlin finally takes his spot.
Unfortunately, the answer is going to be “no” this time also, as news revealed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that the 25-year-old is expected to be inactive for the Bill’s Sunday night’s game.
“On an emotional return trip to Cincinnati that will conjure many memories for the Bills, Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin is not expected to be active Sunday night vs. the Bengals, per league sources,” the reports read, per the Fresno Bee.
Amid the speculations about his return, the safety participated fully in the team’s practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, but he missed Wednesday’s practice due to illness.
The team is keeping the news of his inactivation a secret, and they are expected to announce it about 90 minutes before the game.
Damar Hamlin yet to play after a life-threatening cardiac arrest
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field in Week 17 of last season at Paycor Stadium. His injury was so macabre that he had to provide life-saving CPR on the field. While the fans were crossing their fingers with praying for good news, his teammates kneeled down surrounding him to convey their grief over the injury.
Later, he was taken to the hospital, and before the NFL called off the game and, a rift developed between Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless that led to their separation.
Since then, the third-year safety has been listed as inactive for all eight of Buffalo’s games this season and has not played in any games. Nevertheless, Bill’s player let his fans find solace in witnessing his magnificent comeback where the team’s wins only added the icing on the cake.
“It was super fun. It was a great experience. Just another milestone and a step up just getting back to myself as far as in the football space and in the NFL,” he said after taking the field first time during Bill’s first preseason game.
Do you think the fans’ eagerness to see him on the field would happen this season?
