Nyheim Hines, running back for the Buffalo Bills, opened the game against the New England Patriots with a 96-yard touchdown off the kick return. The team honored safety Damar Hamlin in their celebration.
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Soon after scoring the touchdown against the Patriots, the Bills players celebrated by putting out three fingers, a reference to the number 3 jersey of Hamlin who got injured on Monday. Players across the divisions paid tribute to the injured safety in various ways as they took to the field for the week 18 NFL clashes.
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This is the Bill’s first match since Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin was given CPR and AED on the pitch, before being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. The safety was in a critical condition for a few days before coming back to his senses.
According to the latest report, Hamlin is now back to his senses and alert. He will be watching the Buffalo Bills play today from his hospital bed and hoping they win against arch-rivals, the Patriots.
The week 18 encounter between the two teams is their final game in the division before the playoffs. If the Patriots manage a win and if a series of results go in their favor after that, they will have a shot at the playoffs. The Bills, on the other hand, are in a great position as they have already qualified. If they win, they will go to the playoff as the second seed, or else they will have to keep the third position. The onus, as is evident, lies with the Patriots.
However, given the current form of the Bills, it is unlikely that the Patriots will get the better of them in the encounter.
