As the Buffalo Bills get ready for their AFC divisional playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, head coach Sean McDermott has shared that safety Damar Hamlin is frequently at the team facility.
“He’s coming in regularly now, just starting to get back into a routine,” McDermott said on Wednesday. “It’s been gradual, but he’s taking small steps to acclimate himself again.”
The Bills-Bengals matchup comes 20 days after Hamlin, in his second NFL season, suffered a cardiac arrest during a game against the Bengals. The incident, which occurred after a tackle, led to a dramatic scene where Hamlin collapsed, and medical staff had to resuscitate him before transporting him to the hospital.
The game was canceled as Hamlin remained in critical condition, prompting an outpouring of support from the NFL community, including tributes with T-shirts, signs, jersey patches, and on-field prayers.
Hamlin was discharged from the hospital last week after an extensive stay involving sedation and ventilation. McDermott noted that while Hamlin is not currently attending team meetings, he is beginning to reintegrate into the team environment.
“His presence has been uplifting,” offensive lineman Dion Dawkins said. “Seeing him walk around, smiling, and engaging with us brings a positive energy to the facility.”
Quarterback Josh Allen also expressed that Hamlin’s presence has helped relieve some of the emotional tension among players. “Seeing Damar and being able to talk with him helps ease some of the weight we’ve been carrying.”
Since Hamlin’s injury, the Bills have secured the second seed in the AFC behind the Kansas City Chiefs and defeated the Miami Dolphins 34-31 in the Wild Card round, setting up the rematch with the Bengals.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow downplayed the emotional aspect of the game. “It’s another playoff game. What happened is in everyone’s minds, but now it’s win or go home. That’s the main focus.”
The Bills-Bengals game is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.