Breaking News: Just Now, Buffalo Bills defensive lineman dead at 27 after cancer battle: ‘A great teammate’…
Security Eight months after his near-death incident, Damar Hamlin joins the 53-man roster of the Buffalo Bills.
New York’s ORCHARD PARK (AP) — Damar Hamlin, a safety with the Buffalo Bills, made it.
After the Bills cut down their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, Hamlin’s daring attempt to revive his football career—which began almost eight months ago after he nearly died during a game at Cincinnati—came to an end.
Unquestionably, Hamlin has shown bravery in reaching this milestone of his comeback by regaining a backup role behind starters Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. General manager Brandon Beane has stressed that changes could still be made to the roster before the Bills open their season at the New York Jets on September 11.
Another noteworthy piece of news involving the Bills is that edge rusher Von Miller, who was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, will miss at least the first four games while he recovers from a torn right knee ligament.
“Prayers For Hamlin” was once a national theme, but it has since evolved into appreciation for Hamlin, who has overcome any trace of fear at every stage of his recuperation.
The 25-year-old has come a long way—from being put into a medically induced coma after suffering a cardiac arrest and needing to be revived on the field—to being able to hit hard and quickly during practice and three appearances in preseason games in one of the most violent professional sports in North America.
Following a three-tackle performance in Buffalo’s preseason victory over Indianapolis three weeks prior, Hamlin said of his strategy, “I made the choice that I wanted to play, you know, it wasn’t nobody else’s choice but mine.” “There won’t be any hesitation when you see my shoulder pads, helmet, and cleats laced up.”
A week later, before the Bills’ game against the Steelers, Hamlin was chosen to captain the coin toss in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
“It was truly unique, akin to a serendipitous moment, bringing my life full circle,” he remarked after the game, which ended with three more tackles. It’s just an inexplicable feeling.
Despite playing 80 defensive snaps and an additional 19 on special teams, Hamlin concluded the preseason with nine solo tackles, one assist, and one game.
Two weeks ago, coach Sean McDermott said that Hamlin had little left to prove and thus, his spot on the team was all but certain.
According to McDermott, “from my non-medical standpoint, I think he’s checked all the boxes as far as that goes.” “There’s just enough evidence to say that he performed well and emerged from that in good health.”
How much more playing time he receives in his transition back to a backup role is the question at hand. The vast amount of playing experience Hamlin had during his second NFL season last year
was the outcome of him standing in for Hyde following the latter’s season-ending neck injury. He made 13 starts.
Regardless of how much or how little time he plays against the Jets, Hamlin’s recuperation will have culminated in prime-time. The Bills play their opening game on Monday night in a setting that should be emotionally charged as it marks the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. He was injured during a Monday night broadcast.
From his hospital release on January 11 to hearing from his physicians that he might resume practicing in late April to having his first padded practice on July 31, Hamlin has tackled every stage of his recuperation by concentrating on the present.
He claimed that it would be emotionally taxing to look too far ahead. However, Hamlin has also never been one to dwell on the past as he handles the widespread attention he has received.
According to a quote from Hamlin, “I genuinely would love to do this entire process under a rock, gathering myself together and then popping back out when I feel like my best.” However, I believe that enduring a procedure in public displays strength. It demonstrates vulnerability and
strength and tenacity, which are qualities I would like to embody.
After suffering a right throwing elbow injury in a preseason game against Pittsburgh, backup quarterback Matt Barkley was placed on injured reserve, leaving Kyle Allen as the only quarterback behind starting quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills released veteran long snapper Reid Ferguson and linebacker A.J. Klein, who was vying for the starting middle linebacker position. Buffalo may decide to re-sign Ferguson and Klein.
By dealing Boogie Basham and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, the Bills were able to break through a defensive standoff.
