The Buffalo Bills will begin their NFL season on Monday night with a prime-time showdown against the New York Jets. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for safety Damar Hamlin to make his triumphant and storybook return to the game after collapsing on the field in a terrifying situation last year, but it does not seem that the Bills will be giving him that opportunity.
As reported by prominent league insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Buffalo Bills are expected to list Damar Hamlin as “inactive” ahead of Monday night’s game against the New York Jets.
“Damar Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest and required resuscitation on the field during a ‘Monday Night Football’ game in Cincinnati last January before his inspirational comeback, is not expected to be active for tonight’s regular-season opener vs. the Jets, per @rgiii and me,” Schefter said in a tweet.
Damar Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest and required resuscitation on the field during a “Monday Night Football” game in Cincinnati last January before his inspirational comeback, is not expected to be active for tonight’s regular-season opener vs. the Jets, per @rgiii and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2023
This, of course, means that Hamlin will not get his chance to return to the NFL during the prime-time game on Monday night, and the NFL world had plenty to say about the decision on X, the social media website that is formerly known as Twitter.
maybe it’s just me, but it’s so weird when the national vultures keep trying to get engagement off of a backup safety by constantly reminding us he almost died. the bills have FIVE safeties on the roster. it’s a business transaction https://t.co/1th2tbzVzY
— hip-drop seltzer (@seltzermom) September 11, 2023
Cam Lewis is a versatile defensive back and special teamer for the #Bills, so he’s expected to get the nod over Hamlin tonight vs. the #Jets. https://t.co/i2pYnYKxDm
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 11, 2023
Makes sense, Cam Lewis’s versatility and special team’s contributions let’s him wear a lot of hats on game day
On a side note, the inactive list should absolutely be done away with. You should have access to your 53 and if you’re short you should be allowed to use PS pull ups https://t.co/ScmXhauVrB
— MeRk (@Merk256) September 11, 2023
The #Bills have the best trio of safeties in the NFL with Hyde, Poyer, and Rapp. It’s a bummer for Damar Hamlin, but it’s a very good reality for Buffalo. https://t.co/VF9VeUby9z
— Greg Vorse (@GregVorse) September 11, 2023
It was this or sit Kaiir Elam and it appears the #Bills just didn’t want to do that … Cam Lewis is the backup nickel, special teamer, and will now be the 4th safety. https://t.co/sUR4UGafzC
— Air Raid | Buffalo (@TheBillsGuys) September 11, 2023
Can you really be comeback player of the year if you barely play? https://t.co/9kYH298bFp
— Alex Moretto (@alexjmoretto) September 11, 2023
There’s a good chance Hamlin does make his return this season after all, but it won’t be on Monday night.
