Damar Hamlin "in good spirits" as Bills celebrate his return to Buffalo

Buffalo, New York - Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin remains in hospital but "is in good spirits" eight days after suffering a cardiac arrest in an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Damar Hamlin (inset) is still in the hospital but is on the mend, as his Buffalo Bills teammates rally around him.
Damar Hamlin (inset) is still in the hospital but is on the mend, as his Buffalo Bills teammates rally around him.  © Collage: USA TODAY Sports & ISAIAH VAZQUEZ / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Hamlin is currently on the mend and undergoing evaluation at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, having been released from University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday.

The 24-year-old said he is passing medical examinations and asked well-wishers to keep him in their prayers.

"Damar Hamlin remains hospitalized, but is in good spirits, at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, a Kaleida Health facility in Buffalo, NY," read a tweet from the Bills.

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"Hamlin is going through a series of testing and evaluation today."

Hamlin’s heart stopped nine minutes into last Monday’s game at Paycor Stadium after he collided with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

"Not home quite just yet," he tweeted on Tuesday. "Still doing & passing a bunch of test.

"Special thank-you to Buffalo General it’s been nothing but love since arrival! Keep me in y’all prayers please!"

A release from the team said Hamlin's presence in Buffalo has "brought comfort" and "elation" to the Bills team as their AFC playoff preparation begins.

Head coach Sean McDermott said that the team has not visited him yet, but "will have a chance to see Hamlin in person at some point soon."

For now, the team said there are now "a lot of smiles" among players, who just can't wait "to hug their teammate again."

"For now, Facetime will suffice, just as Hamlin was on the phone to break down the team huddle after Sunday's 35-23 win over New England," the release added.

Cover photo: Collage: USA TODAY Sports & ISAIAH VAZQUEZ / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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