Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Inactive for Opener Against New York Jets

Damar Hamlin’s absence from the Buffalo Bills’ inaugural NFL season game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football has been confirmed, as he has been designated inactive for the matchup.

Hamlin’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. In January, he experienced a terrifying cardiac arrest while on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a harrowing incident that saw him collapse after making a tackle and absorbing a blow to the head and chest. Quick-thinking medical professionals administered CPR when he lost his pulse, and his life was ultimately restored through resuscitation and defibrillation. Following this traumatic event, Hamlin spent over a week in a Cincinnati hospital, during which time he relied on a ventilator for his respiratory needs.

Remarkably, by the time April rolled around, Hamlin had received full medical clearance to resume football activities. The road to recovery was marked by extraordinary determination, as he surpassed numerous milestones on his journey back to the NFL. In June, he rejoined full team practices, and in July, he was once again donning his pads in preparation for the upcoming season.

During the preseason, the 25-year-old demonstrated his resilience and capability, making a notable impact on the field. In limited playing time, Hamlin tallied three tackles, a performance that included a pivotal fourth-down tackle, forcing a turnover on downs, in the team’s preseason clash with the Indianapolis Colts. However, despite his remarkable comeback and preseason contributions, Hamlin was listed as a healthy scratch on the inactive roster for the Bills’ Monday night showdown with Aaron Rodgers’ Jets.

As a backup safety and valuable special teams player, his omission from the lineup may not come as a surprise, given the team’s strategic considerations. Nonetheless, Damar Hamlin’s journey from a life-threatening cardiac arrest to returning to the football field is an inspiring testament to his determination and resilience.