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Damar Hamlin continues to make progress with his ‘excellent’ neurological function and is still breathing on his own, doctors say, but the Buffalo Bills player remains in critical condition after cardiac arrest.
Damar Hamlin’s neurological function is said to be ‘excellent’ as Buffalo Bills safety continues to progress following his cardiac arrest on the field on Monday.
The 24-year-old has shown encouraging signs in recent days and doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center provided an update on Saturday afternoon.
The Bills released the details, with the statement on their official Twitter account reading: “According to doctors at UC Medical Center, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery but remains in critical condition.”
Damar Hamlin’s neurological function is said to be “excellent,” doctors said Saturday.
The 24-year-old went into cardiac arrest after a collision during the first quarter of the MNF game
He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.
The Bills got a big surprise Friday when Hamlin FaceTimed them, saying “I love you guys” and flexing the muscles in his arm after his breathing tube was removed.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the press after the interaction with Hamlin and attempted to describe the scene to reporters, but conceded that he “probably won’t be able to do it justice.”
Hamlin (No. 3) got to his feet briefly after making a tackle on Higgins before falling backwards in shocking scenes as the Buffalo Bills played the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin collapsed moments later, falling backwards and lying motionless on the ground.
“Amazing, moving, to see Damar,” McDermott began. ‘Not. 1, through my own eyes. I know it’s something I’ve been looking forward to, something I needed to see, I guess. And then see the reaction in the room with the players, the coaching staff and the team.
Hamlin collapsed and had to be resuscitated on the field after going into cardiac arrest following a tackle with the Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins during the first quarter of a Monday Night Football game.
The Bills player was rushed to hospital and Higgins addressed the well wishes sent to Hamlin on Twitter, writing: ‘My thoughts and prayers are with @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I’m praying you pull through, brother. Love.’
On the play, the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins leading with his right shoulder, which struck the defense in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to drag him down.
Hamlin scrambled to his feet, appeared to adjust his mask with his right hand, then fell back about three seconds later and lay still.
The Bills safety was surrounded by players from both sides and treated for 16 minutes before being pinned and carried off the field. As medical personnel gathered around Hamlin, they cut off his game uniform.
Players from both teams were visibly stunned by what happened, with many crying on the field.
Many players accepted, including Buffalo quarterbacks Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The game was postponed by the NFL and has since been cancelled.
Hamlin, who was previously under sedation, began communicating with doctors in writing Wednesday and asked who won Monday’s game a day later.