The NFL world stood still 10 months ago when Buffalo Bills S Damar Hamlin experienced carditis on the field in Cincinnati, Ohio, during a Bills-Bengals game. The world watched in complete shock, fearing for Hamlin’s safety and life. The Bills’ medical staff quickly rushed in to save his life.
Hamlin has returned to the Bills organization and was activated several weeks back. Hamlin’s recovery is remarkable on many levels, and his intent to continue his football career has galvanized the franchise.
The Bills will host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, and many viewers are asking whether Hamlin will play in tonight’s game.
What’s the Latest on Damar Hamlin’s Status?
Due to injuries in the Bills’ secondary, Hamlin will officially be activated for tonight’s contest. Micah Hyde will miss Monday night’s game, and Hamlin’s health is not in question. It is a numbers game, with Hamlin backing up four options at the position. Hamlin has yet to play safety this season. In his previous contest, he only played on special teams.
MORE: Buffalo Bills Depth Chart
The only game Hamlin was active in 2023 was the contest against the Miami Dolphins, where starting safety Jordan Poyer was injured and inactive. The Bills’ safety depth chart includes Poyer, Hyde, Taylor Rapp, and Cam Lewis. Hamlin slides in as the third-team safety, so he has not been active for most games in 2023.
Will Hamlin win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award?
If you believe Vegas never sleeps and has all the answers, then Hamlin doesn’t just have a chance to win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award; the Bills defensive back remains the favorite to take home the hardware following the 2023 season.
Hamlin’s rehab from carditis has been one of the storylines across the league. The fact that Hamlin is a favorite for the award shouldn’t come as a surprise despite his lack of playing time this season.
Hamlin is the favorite on DraftKings, listed at -110. His closest competition comes from inside the AFC East, with Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa putting up Madden-esque numbers in 2023. Tagovailoa is the second favorite at +175.
Odds drop precipitously after that, with Vikings QB Josh Dobbs at +800 and Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Jets RB Breece Hall sharing duties at +1000, rounding out the top five favorites for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
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