Bills' Hamlin active for 1st time since suffering cardiac arrest
Damar Hamlin's comeback is complete.
The Bills defensive back is active for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest during Buffalo's Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Damar Hamlin has taken the field at Highmark, showin some fan appreciation. You’ll see him with a big presence on special teams as I reported to start the day…
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) October 1, 2023
💪💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/m8Cv9ZoDh6
An awesome moment to watch Bills safety Damar Hamlin huddle with his teammates before taking the field for his first regular-season game. Hamlin was a healthy scratch the first three games — but will have a key role on special teams today. pic.twitter.com/PyfOiouJ0Z
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 1, 2023
Hamlin was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the 2023 season but will receive a jersey with veteran safety Jordan Poyer already ruled out due to a knee injury.
Hamlin's heart stopped during the Jan. 2 contest after a hit to the chest by Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter. Medical staff restored his heartbeat on the field before he was transferred to hospital.
The 25-year-old was fully cleared for football activities in April.
A sixth-round pick in 2021, Hamlin started 13 games for the Bills last season. He recorded 91 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.