The 24-year-old defensive back collapsed Monday night after taking a hard blow to the chest while tackling the Bengals receiverTee Higgins, during the first quarter of a nationally televised game in Cincinnati.
Medical personnel restored Hamlin’s heartbeat on the field and he was hospitalized in critical condition.
According to the player’s treating physicians at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown marked improvement over the past 24 hours,” the Bills said in a statement.
“Although he is still seriously ill, he has shown that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.”
Hamlin’s terrifying collapse Monday night drew dramatic scenes before a national television audience.
Bills and Bengals players were clearly stunned, with some openly crying and praying as medics treated Hamlin on the field. The game was finally suspended.
Concern continued days later, with fans gathering outside the Bills’ home stadium to hold a prayer vigil for Hamlin.
On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said he had spoken to Hamlin’s parents, telling reporters when asked about the NFL that “…it’s dangerous. We have to admit that.”
NFL players returned to training Wednesday ahead of the final weekend of regular season games, with the New England Patriots set to visit the Bills on Sunday.
“We’re all handling it in different ways,” Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins said.
The Bills held team meetings and a road scrimmage Wednesday, but the media sessions were canceled.