Damar Hamlin meets with Tee Higgins and Bengals teammates ahead of Buffalo-Cincinnati game

Nearly a year after suffering a terrifying medical emergency, Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin returns to Cincinnati. And before Sunday’s game, he met with Tee Higgins and other Bengals players.

The Bills social media team posted a video of Hamlin taking the field prior to the Sunday Night Football showdown. Though they’ll be opponents when kickoff rolls around, it was all positivity between the two sides in pre-game.

All the love for 3. #BUFvsCIN | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/S9DaEp5MYx

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 5, 2023

Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest at Paycor Stadium late last season. During a play, he was struck in the chest and collapsed on the field.

Medical personnel acted quickly, performing CPR on Hamlin and immediately transporting him to a nearby hospital. The effort of the training staff helped save his life during that frightening incident.

Because of the severity of Hamlin’s condition, the NFL canceled the remainder of the game.

Earlier this week, Hamlin opened up about making a return to Cincinnati.

“I think it’s going to be super-electric, and I think it’s going to be nothing but love,” Hamlin told teammate Von Miller on ‘The Voncast’, via People. “Only thing I got to compare it to is just going back into our stadium and how much love and reception [he got]. Going back into there, I’m pretty sure it’ll be like a bunch of memories, which will make it emotional for me. But, I ain’t running from it, I’m ready to walk through the fire.”

Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

Damar Hamlin won’t play vs. Bengals

Although Hamlin made the trip to Cincinnati for Sunday night’s game, he was listed as inactive for the contest. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on the news.

Bills’ S Damar Hamlin officially inactive tonight at Cincinnati.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2023

“On an emotional return trip to Cincinnati that will conjure many memories for the Bills, Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin is not expected to be active Sunday night vs. the Bengals, per league sources,” Schefter said on X.

“This is not unusual nor unexpected, as Hamlin has played only one game so far this season, vs. Miami, when Buffalo safety Jordan Poyer was injured. With Hamlin, it’s currently a numbers game; he currently backs up Buffalo’s top four safeties – Poyer, Micah Hyde, Taylor Rapp and Cam Lewis.”