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Hamlin Sidelined: Bills Playoff Hopes Rest on Backup Safeties
18 Jan
Summary
- Damar Hamlin was not activated from injured reserve for the playoff game.
- Buffalo activated other players from IR instead of Hamlin.
- Jordan Poyer's injury forced backups into playing time.
Damar Hamlin's anticipated return to the field with the Buffalo Bills did not materialize as expected for their AFC Divisional Round game against the Denver Broncos. Despite being a full participant in practice during the week, Hamlin was ultimately not activated from injured reserve.
The Bills chose to activate other players, Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel, from IR instead of Hamlin. This decision left the team with a shortage at the safety position, particularly as Jordan Poyer was also injured. Consequently, Cole Bishop played alongside several backup safeties.
Hamlin, who has been sidelined since Week 6 with a pectoral injury, had seen his role diminish even before his injury, with Bishop taking over his previous snaps. It appears the Bills coaching staff did not feel Hamlin was sufficiently ready for the intensity of a playoff game, leaving him to watch from the sideline.
