The day after New Year’s in 2023 brought a devastating incident in the NFL involving the Buffalo Bills. And unfortunately, a similar incident has occurred with the same team once again. Highmark Stadium witnessed a heart-stopping moment as Damien Harris‘ injury reignited concerns similar to those raised by Damar Hamlin‘s previous scary incident.
The NFL’s Week 6 is in full swing, with teams from the AFC and NFC divisions competing fiercely throughout the season. Some teams have made history on the field, such as the New York Jets set a new NFL record by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles. However, there have also been significant injuries, with the worst being Bills RB Damien Harris.
What happened to Damien Harris?
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The Buffalo Bills faced off against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Sunday. Although the Bills secured a 14-9 victory, it was far from a joyous occasion for the team. During the Week 6 clash at MetLife Stadium, running back Damien Harris sustained a neck injury after a hit by Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke late in the first half.
This is pretty awful right now, #Bills RB Damien Harris is down.
Ambulance came on the field.
(📷 @Matt_Bove) pic.twitter.com/G8owHwyU5R
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 16, 2023
The 26-year-old Harris has shown the ability to move his arms and legs, but he is slated for additional hospital tests. As paramedics stretched him into the ambulance, Harris gave the stadium a reassuring thumbs up, though the sight of an ambulance on the field was a chilling moment. Currently, there are no further updates, and the entire NFL community eagerly awaits positive news about his condition.
Meanwhile, the distressing turn of events deeply affected the safety of Damar Hamlin, who had previously experienced a similar incident on the field.
Damar Hamlin remembered his on-field collapse!
As Damien Harris was transported off the field in an ambulance, his teammate’s safety, Damar Hamlin, found his emotions overwhelming. He was inactive for the fifth game of this season. Seated on the sidelines, the 25-year-old was visibly moved as he witnessed the ambulance carrying Harris away from the game. This emotional reaction from Hamlin was not without context. Just last season, in January, Hamlin experienced a life-threatening cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which took place during Week 17 of Monday Night Football on January 2, 2023.
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The shocking incident occurred after a tackle on WR Tee Higgins, which resulted from Higgins’ reception near the 50-yard line. In what initially appeared to be a routine tackle, Damar Hamlin wrapped his arms around Higgins, taking him down. The intensity of the hit did not go unnoticed by commentators. What followed was a surreal and distressing moment: Hamlin briefly regained his footing before collapsing backward.
Damar lay motionless in the midfield, but fortunately, team trainers and paramedics’ swift responses saved his precious seconds. They administered CPR, used an automated external defibrillator, and provided critical treatments for a tense ten minutes. Dr. Timothy Pritts explained that, due to a breathing tube, Hamlin communicated through writing and gestures during his recovery process.
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The sports community rallied together to offer their prayers and support. That particular game was stopped and canceled. However, in the present scenario, the game continued, with the Bills ultimately prevailing over the Giants with a score of 14-9.