The National Football League (NFL) on Thursday announced that the week 17 game between Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals will be canceled. The game was paused on Monday night after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field following a tackle from Tee Higgins and suffered a cardiac arrest.
The decision to cancel the game altogether was taken because the result of the game will not have any effect on the Pro Bowl 2022 qualifications. NFL added that it may host the AFC Championship game at a neutral site if all the club owners vote in favor of it.
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“This has been a very difficult week,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said announcing the decision.
“We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country. We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them,” he added.
As per the new proposal, the AFC Championship might potentially switch to a neutral site under the plan that will be put to the owners’ vote if any of the following three conditions are realized:
Scenario 1: A Buffalo vs. Kansas City championship game would take place at a neutral site if Buffalo and Kansas City both win in Week 18 or tie.
Scenario 2: A Buffalo vs. Kansas City championship game would take place at a neutral venue if the Bills and Chiefs each suffer losses in Week 18 and Baltimore wins or ties with the Bengals.
Scenario 3: A Bills or Bengals vs. Chiefs championship game would take place at a neutral site if Buffalo and Kansas City both suffer losses and Cincinnati defeats Baltimore.
“As we considered the football schedule, our principles have been to limit disruption across the league and minimize competitive inequities,” Goodell further said.
