Doctors Care for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin stated Thursday that he is making “amazing improvement” and “solid development” just days after having a cardiac arrest during his team’s Monday night game.
According to two people familiar with the decision, the NFL will not resume the Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game that was suspended Monday following Hamlin’s collapse on the field.
“Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours. While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress,” the Bills said in a statement Thursday. “We are grateful for the love and support we have received.”
NFL insider Ian Rapaport added in a tweet Thursday that “Hamlin opened his eyes last night and is responsive. Truly incredible. One thing that’s very clear from speaking to those close to him: They are endlessly appreciative of the medical care given to Hamlin on the field immediately, then over the last 72 hours. Damar Hamlin has been gripping the hands of those close to him. Another very positive sign.”
Doctors provided an update on Damar Hamlin’s condition, stating that the athlete is awake but unable to communicate
“He is unable to speak with us yet as he still has a breathing tube in, and we’re assisting him with ventilation,” Dr. Timothy Pitts of UC Health said, according to CNN, adding that Hamlin is currently communicating by writing. When he began to wake up, the first question he wrote on a clipboard was, “Did we win?”
During the game at Ohio’s Paycor Stadium on Monday night, Hamlin collided with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in a tackle. Despite getting back on his feet, Hamlin collapsed backward onto the turf after a few paces. With 5:58 remaining in the first quarter, the clock was stopped by a referee. Medical personnel and local paramedics went to the unresponsive player and performed CPR to restore Hamlin’s heartbeat before transporting him to the hospital in an ambulance approximately 16 minutes later.
After more than an hour of inactivity, NFL officials announced the game’s postponement
After more than an hour of inactivity, NFL officials announced the game’s postponement. According to the Associated Press, officials confirmed the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals will not restart this week, and the Week 18 schedule will remain unaltered for the time being.
“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in the Buffalo Bills’ game versus the Cincinnati Bengals,” the Bills said in a statement. “His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
Following his on-field breakdown, prayers for Hamlin filled social media, and donations to his holiday fundraising – a toy drive supported by his Chasing M’s Foundation — garnered over $3.4 million from over 134,000 individuals in the hours following the medical catastrophe.