Buffalo Bills: Damar Hamlin expected to be inactive for Week 1

The Buffalo Bills are set to start the 2023 season tonight against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. They are entering today's game with no players carrying an injury designation which makes the inactives for tonight a tougher decision.

The Bills will have to have five players be healthy scratches as they are only able to have 48 players dress for games. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, one of those players who will be inactive is safety Damar Hamlin.

Hamlin was a sixth round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 and stepped in as the starter last season in place of the injured Micah Hyde. He would start in 13 games and finish with 91 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended.

However, he went into cardiac arrest after making a tackle in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

He would make a full recovery and not only made the 53-man roster but would also play in the preseason games this year. It was a remarkable recovery but the team had limited spots for this game. This opens the door for Cam Lewis to be active tonight for the game against the Jets.

Lewis was an undrafted free agent signing that has been with the Buffalo Bills for a few seasons now. The versatility he brings is probably why he will be active over Hamlin.

The former University of Buffalo defensive back can be the backup nickel but also is listed as a backup on the Bills depth chart at safety. He should also be a key contributor on special teams.

The Buffalo Bills have to finalize their inactives 90 minutes before kickoff but Damar Hamlin may not be the only surprise among the players who are a healthy scratch for today's game against the New York Jets.

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