Bills taking slow approach to Hamlin's return to field
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.
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.” 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,” Goodell said. “I've been focused on other matters.”