Buffalo Bills make big decision on Damar Hamlin heading into Sunday night’s return to Cincinnati
Damar Hamlin’s story has been inspiring and remarkable and it is set to come full circle Sunday when his Buffalo Bills play at the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was, after all, on the field in Cincinnati earlier this year when the safety and former Pittsburgh Central Catholic star suffered a cardiac arrest and was shuttled off to a local hospital with the nation looking on.
Hamlin has amazingly worked his way back into playing shape, and it will no doubt be an emotional return to Cincinnati. But, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hamlin will be in the building, but he won’t be suiting up for the game.
Schefter reported early Sunday morning that Hamlin “is not expected to be active” for the game.
“This is not unusual nor unexpected, as Hamlin has played only one game so far this season, vs. Miami, when Buffalo safety Jordan Poyer was injured,” Schefter wrote. “With Hamlin, it’s currently a numbers game. He currently backs up Buffalo’s top four safeties — Poyer, Micah Hyde, Taylor Rapp and Cam Lewis.”
It would have been an amazing moment to see Hamlin step back onto the field in Cincinnati and his fans will, no doubt, be disappointed if Schefter’s reporting is accurate. But the fact that Hamlin will be in the building at all is something to be celebrated, and it almost certainly will be
As for his play on the field, it’s no surprise that he has been eased back into the mix.
What is certain is that, while he may be the victim of a numbers game Sunday, Hamlin has proven he can play.
He recorded 93 tackles, 1.5 sacks and four passes defensed last season prior to his cardiac arrest.
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