USA Today

‘Linebacker Matthew Milano posted a photo to his Instagram stories on Saturday of Hamlin at the team facility dapping up a teammate with a large grin.’

‘”We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team physicians we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills,” critical care physician Dr. Jamie Nadler said in a statement released by the team.’

‘”He’s doing well, and this is the beginning of the next stage of his recovery,” Dr. William A. Knight IV said. “We continue to be ecstatic about his recovery,” Dr. Timothy Pritts added.’

‘”When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” was posted to Hamlin’s Instagram account.’

‘Buffalo’s Nyheim Hines, who was acquired in a midseason trade from the Indianapolis Colts, took the opening kickoff against the New England Patriots 96 yards for a touchdown. It was the first time in Hines’ five-year career that he’d scored on a kickoff.’

‘”The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me! #3strong”‘

‘Kellington is being hailed as a hero, and rightfully so. Thursday afternoon, doctors who have been treating Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center since he was injured during Monday night’s game against the Bengals announced he was not only awake but also responsive. He was squeezing the hands of medical staff and loved ones as well as communicating in writing.’

‘However one possibility the league didn’t create a provision for is a potential Bills-Bengals rematch. If the current seedings hold, No. 2 Buffalo (12-3) would host No. 3 Cincinnati (11-4) in the divisional round. Conversely, if both teams wind up 12-4, the Bengals would be ranked higher based on the strength of victory tiebreaker and a matchup with the Bills would be staged in Cincinnati.’

‘Wildgoose is now with the Washington Commanders but considers his draft partner his “brother.” Every time he thinks of Hamlin, Wildgoose becomes emotional. He doesn’t want to talk about what happened, that one of the closest friends he’s made in the NFL suffered cardiac arrest Monday – and has since made a “remarkable recovery” while still in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.’

‘To be clear, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is still fighting for his life after the horrific incident against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday when he went into cardiac arrest on the field. But what we’ve seen is that Hamlin is far from fighting alone. He has much of a nation fighting alongside him. Hamlin’s story has emerged as both one of the most tragic and now, perhaps, we hope, one of the most inspirational we’ve seen.’

‘As of this morning, he is beginning to awaken and it appears that his neurological condition and function is intact. We are proud to report that, very happy for him and for his family and for the Buffalo Bills organization, that he is making improvement. He continues to be critically ill and continues to undergo intensive care in our surgical and trauma ICU. He’s being cared for by ICU neurocritical care teams, trauma surgery and a cardiology team, as well as our expert nurses and respiratory therapists. They are attending to him and he still has significant progress that he needs to make, but this marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care. ‘

‘For all of the training, practices, game-planning strategies and other components of the NFL grind, nothing has prepared the Bills – players, coaches and staff alike – for the trauma of the life-and-death situation presented during the first quarter of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals when Hamlin’s heart stopped beating and first responders resuscitated him on the field using CPR and an AED. Hamlin collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle.’

‘“This has been a very difficult week,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement announcing the decision. “We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country. We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them.”’

‘Almost immediately, the network gave viewers an idea of the gravity of what transpired by showing the traumatized faces of Bills and Bengals players. The zoomed-out view provided some level of privacy during an unfolding public tragedy. ESPN made the right call in not replaying Hamlin’s hit and subsequent collapse multiple times.’

‘”The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date.”‘