Bills LOOK: Damar Hamlin Practices in Pads; ‘Final Hurdle’?

It’s a big day for a big deal, and “last hurdle” or not, it is a notable training camp moment for Damar Hamlin … and for Bills Mafia.

Damar Hamlin last season became a symbol of hope and strength. And this year? He just took another step in his recovery process … to the point he can be about hope and strength and being a football player again as well.

During training camp on Monday, the Buffalo Bills safety practiced in full pads, and Hamlin was in the mix - marking the first time he's been in pads since going into cardiac arrest on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals in January.

"Damar’s got one hurdle left,” GM Brandon Beane told Peter King of NBC Sports during training camp on Sunday.

Added Bills cornerback Dane Johnson: “Putting the pads on is pretty much the last step for him … Once he gets comfortable doing that, then he’s back and he’s ready.”

Damar Hamlin back in pads for the first time since January here at #Bills camp. pic.twitter.com/UPbWbeWBZO

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 31, 2023

We would gently suggest that it might be slightly more complex than that. Hamlin himself has conceded that as much as he wants to play again, he’s doing so with at least a bit of trepidation. And the Buffalo News has written that he’s no lock to make the team.

Hamlin, 25, is the current favorite to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year this season. His progress after collapsing in Week 17 against the Bengals - and the character he’s shown by becoming a national celebrity - are notable, just like the vulnerability he's shown when discussing his personal fears.

"I'm processing 1000 emotions," Hamlin said. "I’m not afraid to say that it crosses my mind and being a little scared here and there."

But “last hurdle” or not, it is a notable day for Hamlin … and for Bills Mafia.

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