Damar Hamlin remains in the midst of his remarkable recovery after suffering from cardiac arrest during a game on Jan. 2nd where he collapsed on the football field.
He will be back for true game action on Saturday for the first time since the incident on the field.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed on Thursday Hamlin is “scheduled to play” against the Indianapolis Colts for a preseason matchup.
“This is to some extent uncharted territory for me as well, and all of us,” McDermott told the Associated Press. “So we’re just trying to do the best we can to be there for him. I try to keep a close eye on where he is and where he’s showing up and how he’s responding. And he’s done a great job.”
Since returning to the field, Hamlin’s appeared to be back to his typical ways, but did admit there was some fear.
“In football, you can’t hit that field with no hesitation,” Hamlin told Pro Football Talk. “You’re putting yourself in more danger by doing that. I made the choice to play, but I’m processing a thousand emotions. I’m not afraid to say that it crosses my mind of being a little scared here and there. But like I say, my strength is rooted in my faith, and my faith is stronger than any fear. That’s what I want to preach up here, and that’s the message I want to spread on to the world. As long as your faith is stronger than your fear, you can get through anything. So that’s what I’m living by right now.”
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.