What Happened to Damar Hamlin? Bills DB Wild Card Status Explained

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for their Wild Card playoff showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, one major name will be absent from the defensive lineup: Damar Hamlin. Once at the heart of a stunning on-field collapse for medical reasons in 2023, Hamlin’s saga remains one of the NFL’s most emotionally charged and closely followed stories.

Heading into the 2026 postseason, the Bills confirmed that Hamlin will not play in the Wild Card round, prompting questions about his health, recovery timeline, and long-term NFL future.

What Happened to Damar Hamlin? Injury Explained

Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Bills, has endured a challenging road back after a health-related collapse during a game in 2023 that required immediate and dramatic medical intervention. Since then, Hamlin’s capacity to play has been closely monitored by both the Bills’ medical staff and independent physicians.

Entering the 2026 Wild Card Round, Hamlin is still not medically cleared to play due to ongoing recovery and precautionary measures related to his prior cardiac incident.

Bills Confirm Hamlin Will Not Play in Wild Card

According to the most recent update from the Pro Football Network, the Bills announced that Damar Hamlin will not play in their Wild Card Game against Jacksonville. His absence is listed due to injury status, reflecting the team’s caution in handling his long-term well-being.

Buffalo coach Sean McDermott and team officials reiterated that the decision is based on a medical standpoint, not performance or roster strategy.

Hamlin’s Recovery Timeline and Current Health

While Hamlin has made progress — including limited practices and appearances around the team — doctors have not cleared him for full contact or game action at this time. The specifics of his recovery plan remain under wraps, but reports indicate that Buffalo is taking a conservative approach, prioritizing complete cardiovascular health and physical readiness over a rushed return.

Conclusion

Damar Hamlin’s absence from the 2026 Wild Card Game is rooted in medical caution and a continued recovery process. While Bills fans understandably hoped to see their veteran safety back on the field, his health remains the top priority for both the player and the organization.