Damar Hamlin Showing ‘Signs of Improvement,’ Buffalo Bills Announce

Siran Neal #33 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after teammate Damar Hamlin #3 was injured against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Jan. 2, 2023. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s health is improving after he collapsed on the field on Monday night, the team said in an update on Wednesday.

Hamlin, the team said, remains at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, where is still in critical condition. But it said that he’s showing “signs of improvement” that were “noted yesterday and overnight.”

“He is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him,” the Bills continued. The organization did not provide further details about how he improved or his current condition.

A family member, along with a family spokesperson, also said that Hamlin’s condition was starting to improve. Jordon Rooney, a business partner and spokesman, told ESPN on Wednesday that the Bills safety was still sedated but added that doctors saw encouraging readings.

Hamlin’s agent, Ron Butler, told the sports network on Tuesday that Hamlin’s oxygen levels, meanwhile, had improved. His uncle, Dorian Glenn, told NFL Network that Hamlin is “on a ventilator” and that hospital staffers are “trying to get him to breathe on his own.”

“So, we’re just kind of taking it day by day. Still in the ICU,“ he added. ”They have him sedated, so just continue to administer the medical treatment that they’ve been doing.”

“They were resuscitating him on the field before they brought him in the hospital and then resuscitated him a second time when he got to the hospital,” Glenn told CNN in a separate interview. “I just want to show my gratitude for the medical staff that were on hand because if not for them, my nephew probably wouldn’t even be here.”

During ESPN’s broadcast of “Monday Night Football,” Hamlin collapsed on the field during the first quarter after tackling Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins who caught a pass from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Soon after, medical personnel rushed to the field while the game was stopped. About an hour later, the Bills–Bengals game was postponed, while the NFL later confirmed that it would not resume this week.

Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after a tackle during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Nov. 13, 2022. Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images

Hamlin, 24, suffered a cardiac arrest after the play, the Bills said in a statement on Tuesday. Neither the Bills nor Hamlin’s family have commented on the cause of his medical condition.

“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association. After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills–Bengals game will not be resumed this week,” the league said in a statement on Tuesday. It’s not clear when the game will resume, according to the NFL statement.

Speaking to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, NFL executive Troy Vincent said that “everything is being considered” for the suspended Bills–Bengals game to resume. He did not elaborate.

“The guiding principles that took us into the 2020 season with COVID” are in place, he said. “It may not be perfect, but will allow those participating to be able to play.”

On Tuesday, Hamlin’s family released a statement saying that “we also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar” and that “we feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support.”

“I can’t speak specifically on his medical condition. All I'll say is, he’s fighting,” Rooney also told news outlets Tuesday. “He’s a fighter ... the family’s in good spirits ... what’s most important is to give the family their privacy.”

There was confusion after Hamlin was rushed out of the stadium as ESPN announcer Joe Buck said multiple times that both teams were given five minutes to warm-up before resuming play. Vincent, the NFL executive, later refuted that claim during a news conference, but ESPN issued a statement that it stands by its reporting.

But on Wednesday, Vincent again refuted allegations that Bills and Bengals players were told to warm up after Hamlin collapsed.

“I just want to be clear. Just that suggestion alone was inappropriate. I was insensitive. And frankly, it lacked empathy and compassion for Damar’s situation. Who was still in the woods and fighting for his life to this day,” Vincent said, according to CNN. “It was just so insensitive to think that we were even thinking about returning to play.”