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NFL suspends Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals 'MNF' game; Hamlin in critical condition

UPDATED

Mon, Jan 2nd 2023 10:30 pm

4th UPDATE: At about 1:30 p.m., @NFL tweeted, “The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association.

“After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed this week.

“The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date.

“The league has not made any changes to the Week 18 regular season schedule.

“We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available.”

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3rd UPDATE: At 1:23 p.m., The Buffalo Bills tweeted, “Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”

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2nd UPDATE: ESPN senior NFL reporter @AdamSchefter shared:

“FROM THE FAMILY OF DAMAR HAMLIN

"On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.

“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they've done.

“Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us. Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.

“Thank you,

“The Hamlin Family”

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UPDATE: At 1:48 a.m., the Buffalo Bills tweeted the following: “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

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NFL releases statement on Bills-Bengals game following Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse

Shortly after 10 p.m. Monday, the National Football League released the following statement, which was read on air by ESPN “Monday Night Football” host Joe Buck:

“Tonight's Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced.

“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

“The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.”

Hamlin fell to the field at 8:55 p.m., following a defensive tackle of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter.

As medical personnel rushed to his aid, social media was filling with posts from people praying for Hamlin and his family – and from those expressing their shock, disbelief and feelings of horror at what they had seen.

The Buffalo Bills tweeted, “Bills Mafia is with you, @HamlinIsland,” and “The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar.”

Hamlin, 24, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Prior to that, he attended Pittsburgh, where he earned All-ACC Second-Team honors following a standout 2020 season.

The 6-foot safety is in his second year with the Bills.

He is being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Following the announcement of the “Monday Night Football” game’s postponement, the National Football League Players Association tweeted, “The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin. We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being.”

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