Damar Hamlin will start at safety for the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, as announced by head coach Sean McDermott on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
This marks Hamlin’s first NFL start since he experienced cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football on January 2, 2023.
Although Hamlin was cleared to return to play last season, he participated in only five games, mainly contributing on special teams.
For Sunday’s game, Hamlin will be paired with Taylor Rapp in the secondary.
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, who were the Bills’ starting safeties in Week 1 last year, have since left the team via free agency.
A sixth-round pick in 2021, Hamlin has accumulated 13 career starts, with 95 tackles, one forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks.
