Bills safety Damar Hamlin expected to sit out Monday Night Football
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Damar Hamlin, the safety for the Buffalo Bills, is expected to be inactive for the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. Despite being healthy and cleared to play, Hamlin won’t get the call, as the Bills have opted for Taylor Rapp and Cam Lewis as their primary backups at the safety position.
A Healthy Scratch
Damar Hamlin, who is 25 years old, has been cleared to play nine months after experiencing cardiac arrest on the field. He was second on the team in tackles during the preseason and was named to the Bills’ 53-man active roster for the 2023 season by head coach Sean McDermott.
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The Bills have chosen Taylor Rapp and Cam Lewis as the primary backups at safety, sidelining Hamlin for the game. This decision comes despite Hamlin’s strong preseason performance and his inclusion in the active roster.
If starting safety Micah Hyde is unable to play due to nagging back issues, Hamlin could still be activated. Last year, both Hyde and Jordan Poyer missed games, during which Hamlin started 13 games.
Damar Hamlin’s Perspective
At a recent charity event, Hamlin emphasized the importance of not taking his position on the team for granted.
He cited the transient nature of NFL careers, stating that the NFL stands for “not for long,” and expressed gratitude for his opportunity to continue playing after his health scare.
Hamlin was quoted as saying: “Every year, so many people who don’t get the opportunity to make the team that you have to show respect for it when you do and you can never take it for granted because, the NFL, they say it stands for ‘not for long.’
“So, to be able to go through my situation and then be able to come back and still show that I can still do it is super big and it means a lot to me and my family,” he added.
For more news and a video report about Damar Hamlin missing tonight’s game, you can visit the NFL.com website
