Bills' Hamlin taking return slowly
The Buffalo Bills are taking it slowly with safety Damar Hamlin, who is being held back from participating in the team's first few days of voluntary practices some five months after having a near-death experience on the field, coach Sean McDermott said Tuesday.
“We're taking it one day at a time and just support Damar in every way possible,” McDermott said when asked of Hamlin's status, while noting the player is present at the facility. The coach otherwise did not provide any timetable as to when Hamlin can begin onfield sessions a month after being cleared to resume his NFL career.
The 25-year-old Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field after making what appeared to be a routine tackle during the first quarter of a game at Cincinnati, and being broadcast to a national prime-time audience on Jan. 2.
The Bills slow approach to Hamlin's practice participation appears in line with how they've eased back other players coming off major injuries. And it's understandable in regards to Hamlin, given how much time he missed during a lengthy recuperation process that limited him from much physical exertion before reporting for the team's voluntary workout program last month.
Hamlin still required a respirator to help him breathe for several weeks after being released from the hospital in mid-January.
He has made it clear he wants to resume playing. Saying his heart was still in the game, Hamlin announced his NFL comeback a little over a month ago after being cleared to play by the Bills and several independent specialists. Not wanting to give into fear and concern, Hamlin said there was little chance of the episode recurring in revealing specialists agreed his heart stopped as a result of commotio cordis, which is a direct blow at a specific point in a heartbeat that causes cardiac arrest.
“This was a life-changing event, but it's not the end of my story,” Hamlin said last month.
With his focus now on resuming football, Hamlin's next steps will be no different from any other NFL player in his bid to secure a roster spot entering his third season. The Bills have two more weeks of voluntary practices before opening a mandatory minicamp in mid-June, followed by training camp opening in late July.
Hamlin's recovery has been called remarkable by doctors who treated him. He spent the first few days of his recovery in a medically induced coma at the University Cincinnati Medical Center. His motor and cognitive skills quickly returned and he spent 10 days in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo before being released.
Hamlin's collapse led to an outpouring of support from around the NFL and across North America, with donations made to Hamlin's charitable organization topping more than $9 million.
And his recovery has been celebrated, with the player honored by the NFL, the NFL Players Association and most recently being selected by the Professional Football Writers of America as winner of the George Halas Award, which is given to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes adversity to succeed.
NFL ADDS FAIR CATCH RULE INSIDE 25 ON KICKOFFS » The NFL has pushed the kickoff return further toward irrelevance with a priority on player safety.
League owners voted Tuesday for a one-year trial of an enhanced touchback rule that will give the receiving team the ball at its own 25 with a fair catch of a kickoff anywhere behind that yard line.
The proposal passed despite an expression of distaste for it from coaches and players across the league. They argued the rule change will create uglier plays with squib and corner kicks that are impossible for fair catches.
“I've been in this for a long time. I've seen these type of health and safety discussions,” said Atlanta Falcons chief executive officer Rich McKay, who is chairman of the competition committee. “We tend to get ourselves to the right place, but it's never that comfortable.”
NFL, GOODELL CLOSE TO FINALIZING 3-YEAR EXTENSION » Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL have agreed on the framework of a three-year contract extension that will keep him in place until 2027, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed Tuesday at the league meetings.
Goodell's current deal expires in 2024. He has been commissioner of the league since replacing Paul Tagliabue in 2006.
“That's always good news,” Irsay told reporters in Minnesota, where owners finished their spring meetings. “I think we still have to rubber-stamp it so to speak, but it's virtually done.”
Irsay said he's under the impression Goodell will retire after the extended contract expires and be involved in the development of a potential successor.
“We'll look for his contribution every way possible,” Irsay said.
Goodell tried to downplay the topic and declined to confirm an agreement.
“It's not extended today, that's for sure. I've been focused on other matters. It hasn't been a point of focus for me,” Goodell said. “I have a year left. I love the job. I have no doubt that we'll reach it at some point. When we do, we'll let you know.” RODGERS STRAINS CALF DURING WARMUPS » Aaron Rodgers never made it past warmups in his first New York Jets practice in front of the media.
The 39-year-old quarterback, acquired last month from Green Bay, strained a calf while participating in conditioning drills Tuesday. Rodgers watched quarterback drills and remained on the field during practice, but was without his helmet and threw no passes.
“I don't think it's too serious,” Rodgers said, downplaying the injury and saying he took “a vet day.”