Patriots, Bills Adjust Schedules Amid Damar Hamlin Injury; WR Returns To Practice

The Patriots and Bills are scheduled to meet Sunday at Highmark Stadium.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills have altered their respective media availabilities as both teams begin preparations for their Week 18 game at Highmark Stadium on Sunday. 

In light of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the condition of Bills safety Damar Hamlin, the NFL has “approved giving both the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots an extra day due to these unique circumstances,” according to a Patriots spokesperson. The NFL typically requires each team to make their head coach and a small number of players available to speak to the media each Wednesday.

Hamlin remains hospitalized in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon. The second-year defensive back suffered cardiac arrest following a tackle during Buffalo’s Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Though few specifics are know regarding Hamlin’s prognosis, ESPN reported on Wednesday that that doctors received “promising readings overnight” and that the 24-year-old’s breathing has improved. Hamlin reportedly still requires the use of a ventilator to breathe due to possible lung damage.

The NFL announced Tuesday that it planned to play this weekend’s games as scheduled. However, the situation is subject to change as the circumstances surrounding Hamlin, as well as both teams, continue to evolve.

In the meantime, both the Patriots and Bills will hold meetings Wednesday; with the Patriots participating in practice, and the Bills holding a walkthrough. 

Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (concussion) and tight end Jonnu Smith (concussion) remained absent from Wednesday’s practice, which began at 12:30 p.m. ET. 

Wide receiver DeVante Parker was back at practice, after having missed the past three weeks while in concussion protocol. The week’s first injury and practice participation is expected to be released at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday. 

Though Buffalo’s schedule remains fluid, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and select team captains now are scheduled to address the media on Thursday, per the team. New England also cancelled video conferences with three assistant coaches, which had been scheduled for Tuesday morning.

The NFL has yet to announce final plans to resolve the outcome of the Bills-Bengals, yet did indicate that it will not resume this week.

Kickoff between the Patriots and Bills is set for 1 p.m. ET from Highmark Stadium, while the NFL playoffs are scheduled to begin Jan 15. 

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