NFL confirms Bills-Bengals game will NOT be played this week and ‘no decision has been made’ on potential resumption… as football world remains in shock after Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest
The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game will not be rescheduled for this week after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football.
The 24-year-old collapsed and went into cardiac arrest after being hit by Bengals’ Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the game.
Hamlin was rushed to the hospital with his mother by his side and a representative said he was ‘fighting’ but remains sedated and in critical condition.
The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game will not be rescheduled for this week
Hamlin went down and went into cardiac arrest after hitting Tee Higgins of the Bengals
‘The NFL continues to be in contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, as well as the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association,’ the NFL’s statement on Tuesday afternoon read.
‘After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills-Bengals game will not go ahead 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.’
There is speculation as to whether the game will be completely phased out with the playoffs just around the corner.
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Las Vegas Raiders this Saturday and if Patrick Mahomes and Co. win. they will stamp the No. 1 seed spot for the playoffs, which would make Bills-Bengals academic. If the Chiefs lose the Bills will still have a chance to claim the top seed.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to team executives and coaches, giving an update on Hamlin on Tuesday.
It began: ‘During last night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field.
Hamlin (No 3) gets up briefly after making a tackle on Higgins before being pulled back in shocking scenes as the Bills play the Bengals
Moments later Hamlin collapsed, falling backwards and motionless to the floor
‘Damar went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated by on-site club physicians and independent medical personnel, all of whom were highly trained in implementing plans for medical emergencies.
‘Damar was stabilized and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a Level One trauma center, where he remains in the ICU.’
The NFL has been criticized by some for its slow reaction to postpone Monday night’s game but the league has denied reports that it plans to resume the game. Although ESPN’s Joe Buck responded to the league’s denials.
Fans gather outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Monday in Cincinnati, where Hamlin was taken after collapsing on the field during an NFL football game against the Bengals
The memo informs teams that the NFL will continue to provide updates on Hamlin whenever possible and let them know there are mental health resources and support available.
Hamlin’s family thanked the ‘dedicated first responders’ who brought him back to life as they released a statement today.
‘On behalf of our family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,’ it said.
‘We have been overwhelmed by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans across the country.
‘We also want to recognize the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who provided exceptional care to Damar.
‘We are very fortunate to be a part of the Buffalo Bills organization and have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for all they have done.
‘Your generosity and compassion are important to us. Please keep Damar in your prayers.’
