Report: Damar Hamlin to make 2023 season debut against Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is set to return to action this weekend — nine months after going into cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin will make his season debut against the Dolphins on Sunday, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
The 25-year-old has not appeared in a real NFL game since Jan. 2, 2023. He did play in the preseason but was inactive for the Bills the first three weeks of the season. Hamlin will replace Jordan Poyer, who has been ruled out for the game.
Damar Hamlin played well during the preseason, finishing second on the team in tackles. Last season, he posted 91 tackles, with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble.
Through his first two seasons in the league, Hamlin has played in 29 games for Buffalo. He’s credited with 93 tackles and four passes defended while on the field.
The Bills and Dolphins will face off on Sunday at 1 p.m., with the Bills hosting the Dolphins.
Damar Hamlin’s comeback story nearing completion
Damar Hamlin made his on-field return in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts last month, playing 24 snaps and recording three tackles. He immediately made his presence known on the Colts’ second offensive drive, stuffing rookie running back Evan Hull for no gain on a fourth-and-1 attempt and forcing a turnover on downs. It was great to see after everything Hamlin has been through.
“It was fun. It was super fun. It was a great experience, just another milestone and a step up to just getting back to myself as far as the football space,” Hamlin said after the game, via NFL.com. “Just chopping this tree down as much as I can, one step at a time.”
Hamlin said he felt a weight come off of his shoulders after making his first tackle of the game.
“I made the choice that I wanted to play, you know, it wasn’t nobody else’s choices but mine. So, making that choice, I know what comes with it,” Hamlin said. “So, you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on there ain’t going to be no hesitation. Because you can’t play this game like that. You’ll put yourself at more risk by hesitating. I’m out there. I’m just not thinking twice… Just playing my game and kind of how I was taught to play since I was my little brother’s age.”