Bills' Damar Hamlin Playing vs. Colts? McDermott Reveals Status

Fans have been waiting in anticipation for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin to make his return to live-game action.

The Buffalo Bills' preseason is finally here, as the team is set to take the field Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium. 

Bills coach Sean McDermott, who assumed the defensive play calling role for this season, provided an update on Damar Hamlin's status against the Colts, revealing to the Associated Press that the safety is "scheduled to play" in a live game for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest on Jan. 2.

“This is to some extent uncharted territory for me as well, and all of us," McDermott said, per AP. "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.”

McDermott had originally made it unclear on Thursday whether or not Hamlin would be active.

"He continues to be on schedule, and we will take it one day at a time," McDermott said. 

This not only goes for Hamlin, but for the rest of the team as preparations come for the rest of the preseason and the regular-season opener against the New York Jets.

Fans have gotten to see Hamlin make plays in training camp. And for a team that has the potential to be atop the league both offensively and defensively, it's expected that both sides have a strong camp and sharpen each other's skills.

Everything that the Bills do right now is "one day at a time." Whether it be the team continuing to strengthen their relationship with Stefon Diggs, maximizing Josh Allen's talent, getting Hamlin his first game action, or even putting the defense together for a full season of competing. 

If the Bills are serious about maximizing their championship window and bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Buffalo, they can't skip steps in any avenue, which includes taking it slow with Hamlin.

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