Buffalo Bills Safety Hamlin Cleared to Resume Football Activities

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has cleared another hurdle on his long road back to recovery. Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters today that the third-year player has been cleared to resume all activities after meeting with medical specialists this week.

Bills’ GM Brandon Beane told reporters today that, after visiting with medical specialists last week, safety Damar Hamlin now has been cleared to resume full activity.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2023

Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a December Monday Night Football matchup between the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, resulting in a nearly unprecedented cancellation of the game. Hamlin was resuscitated on the field and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition for several days.

At the time, Hamlin's incident was a bleak reminder of the risks every NFL player accepts when they take the field, but he now appears poised to resume his NFL career. He entered the league as the Bills' 212th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft but clawed his way to starting role with the team in 2022. He's still a long way from attaining those heights again, but the fact that he'll at least have an opportunity should make for one of the preseason's most intriguing storylines.

For anyone who witnessed the disquieting scene at Paycor Stadium when he initially collapsed, Hamlin's steady climb back to good health is one of the most heartening NFL subplots of the year. If and when he eventually sees game action, he'll be greeted with a hero's welcome.