Damar Hamlin Will Play in First NFL Game Since Injury

The former Pitt Panthers safety will complete his remarkable recovery.

PITTSBURGH -- A little over seven months ago, Damar Hamlin was fighting to save his own life on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio after going into cardiac arrest. This weekend, the former Pitt Panther will complete his remarkable return to football and play in the Bills' preseason opener. 

Hamlin, who starred at Pitt from 2016 to 2020 before Buffalo selected him with the 212th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft, is expected to suit up and play significant snaps against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday afternoon. 

"This is to some extent uncharted territory for me as well, and all of us," Bills head coach Sean McDermott said. "So we're just trying to do the best we can to be there for him. I try to keep a close eye on where he is and where he's showing up and how he's responding. And he's done a great job."

Hamlin is currently battling to stick in a crowded Bills defensive backs room. He made some noise as a starter (91 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble in 15 games and 13 starts) when Buffalo was devastated by injuries last season but will need to put on an impressive camp to keep up with a talented and fully healthy safeties group.

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