EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Buffalo Bills announced 90 minutes before kickoff that safety Damar Hamlin will not be taking the field in their season opener against the New York Jets. Hamlin, who had a near-death experience due to cardiac arrest earlier this year, was listed among the team’s inactives.
How to watch Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets
- WHERE: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
- WHEN: 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN, ABC
Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers will make his debut for the New York Jets tonight and he will be aiming to make it a winning start. Don’t expect him to have an easy night tonight against the Bills, who are coming out to defend the MetLife Stadium turf.
Rodgers, who moved on from the Green Bay Packers, was well recieved with a loud ovation while being introduced at MetLife Stadium as he raced out carrying an American flag.
A Miraculous Recovery Cut Short
Hamlin’s absence from the lineup comes as a surprise to many, especially considering his miraculous recovery from cardiac arrest earlier this year.
The 25-year-old safety had to be resuscitated on the field during a game in Cincinnati in January. Despite the life-threatening incident, Hamlin played in three exhibition games this summer and secured a spot on the Bills’ roster as a backup.
Limited Role in the Team
Listed as the fourth safety on the Bills’ depth chart, Hamlin was expected to contribute mainly on special teams, unless starters Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde were unavailable due to injuries.
Read more: Bills safety Damar Hamlin expected to sit out Monday Night Football
Damar Hamlin Medical Assurance
Doctors have given Hamlin the green light to resume playing without any fear of setbacks or complications. His condition, known as commotio cordis, occurs when a direct blow at a specific point in a heartbeat leads to cardiac arrest.
Other Inactives
Also listed among the Bills’ inactives were cornerback Kaiir Elam, defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, and offensive tackles German Ifedi and Alec Anderson. For the Jets, defensive end Carl Lawson and several other players were notable inactives.
A Season of Uncertainties
The Bills’ decision to sideline Hamlin adds another layer of complexity to a season already fraught with uncertainties. With key players out, both teams will have to dig deep into their rosters to secure a win in this highly anticipated matchup.
Buffalo Bills Inactives
- OG Germain Ifedi
- OT Alec Anderson
- DE Kingsley Jonathan
- CB Kaiir Elam
- S Damar Hamlin
New York Jets Inactives
- RB Israel Abanikanda
- WR Jason Brownlee
- WR Irvin Charles
- OL Max Mitchell
- DL Carl Lawson
- LB Zaire Barnes
