NFL updates status of Bills vs. Bengals game

In the immediate aftermath of Damar Hamlin’s terrifying injury on Monday night, concerns over his health rightfully took precedence over anything else. Players from both the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals went to their respective locker rooms and eventually, the game was suspended.

But while the game’s significance on the NFL standings pales in comparison to Hamlin’s well-being, it also can’t be ignored. This was far from a meaningless game. The Bills and Bengals are two of the NFL’s best teams. Monday’s game was one of the biggest of the season, as its result would significantly affect the race for the AFC’s No. 1 overall seed, as well as the AFC North championship. Less than a quarter of the game was played before it was suspended, with the Bengals leading 7-3.

So, will the rest of the game be played and if so, when? In the hours following Hamlin’s injury, neither was clear.

Paul Dehner Jr., who covers the Bengals for the Athletic, quoted Jeff Miller of the NFL in a tweet.

“There’s nothing in consideration right now. Our concern is for the player and his well-being. At the appropriate time, I’m sure that we’ll have a conversation around the next steps regarding the game.”

Furthermore, WBEN 930 in Buffalo reported that the Bills have left Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium to go to the airport, presumably to fly home to Buffalo.

No doubt, the game’s resumption will continue to be discussed in the coming days, particularly if and when Hamlin’s health situation becomes more clear.

[Paul Dehner Jr., WBEN NewsRadio 930AM]