Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin will face Indianapolis Colts in his first game back after suffering cardiac arrest
Whether you’re a Bills fan or not, it’s hard to deny that there’s something special and smile-inducing about seeing Buffalo’s safety return to the field once more.
It’s been just under a year since Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, suffered a cardiac arrest during a “Monday Night Football” game, however, reports confirm that the 25-year-old is now set to take to the field once again.
Bills’ Damar Hamlin will face the Colts
According to head Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, Damar Hamlin is “scheduled to play” against the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game on Saturday afternoon. Hamlin was of course cleared by doctors back in April and to hear him tell it, he has been focused more on the present, than what the future holds. “Trying to look forward, it just creates a lot of anxiety, a lot of unnecessary feelings,” he said. “If you stay in the moment, it allows you to process it when you’re there.” Asked about how it felt to be making his return, Hamlin could only offer a short response. “It’s too soon, man.”
Meanwhile, McDermott disclosed that he’s been keeping a watchful eye on his player as he gets back into the groove of things. “This is to some extent uncharted territory for me as well, and all of us. So we’re just trying to do the best we can to be there for him,” McDermott said. “I try to keep a close eye on where he is and where he’s showing up and how he’s responding. And he’s done a great job.” For their part, the Bills held a stadium practice last week, and it was something that Hamlin admitted was reminiscent of the last time he was at a home game, the AFC divisional game. “It was an emotional day. I felt the love then.”
Damar Hamlin’s path back to the field
In our previous report, we covered the fact that Hamlin returned to the practice field earlier this month, which is to say five months after a condition known as commotio cordis brought his heart to a complete stop. From that time to this, Hamlin has been on an impressive journey back to fitness. Indeed, from simply performing light drills to a classy interception in practice at the expense of quarterback Matt Barley. Ultimately, it would be safe to say that Hamlin has kept his word having maintained throughout this time that he would be back. Now that he is, we can say we’re excited to see him get going once again.