Damien Harris: Buffalo Bills running back is out of hospital, resting at home and in ‘good spirits’ after leaving game in ambulance

CNN
—

Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris is currently recuperating at home and appears to be in high spirits after being discharged from the hospital, according to Bills head coach Sean McDermott’s statement on Monday.

The 26-year-old sustained a neck injury during the second quarter of the Buffalo Bills’ home game against the New York Giants on Sunday, and was subsequently rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

Harris injured himself on his first carry of the game when he was tackled by Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke on a 1-yard run. He remained on the ground after the play, prompting both teams’ players and coaches to call for medical assistance.

As surrounding players and coaches watched, Harris was secured to a backboard and stretcher and transported off the field in an ambulance. To onlookers’ relief, he gave a thumbs up while being loaded into the vehicle.

During the game, the team announced that Harris had been ruled out due to a neck sprain and had been taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

McDermott provided an update on Harris’ condition during a press conference on Monday, the day after the Bills’ 14-9 victory over the Giants.

“He’s doing well, or as well as can be expected,” said McDermott, who added that Harris was undergoing the concussion protocol.

Harris joined the Buffalo Bills this season after signing with the team as a free agent, following four years with the New England Patriots.

Among the concerned individuals on the sidelines was Bills backup safety Damar Hamlin, who experienced cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in early January.

After making a tackle and being hit in the chest area, Hamlin collapsed on the field. Medical professionals performed CPR on him when he lost his pulse, and he had to be resuscitated and defibrillated. He remained on a ventilator for several days and spent more than a week in a Cincinnati hospital.

Subsequently, it was determined that Hamlin’s cardiac arrest was caused by commotio cordis, a condition that arises when severe chest trauma disrupts the heart’s electrical charge, leading to dangerous fibrillations or abnormal heartbeats.

By April, Hamlin had received full clearance to resume football activities, and by August, the 25-year-old was actively participating in preseason games. He made the roster for the regular season, although he has only played in one game thus far.

While Hamlin did not suit up for Sunday’s game, he was seen on the sidelines with his head down, expressing his concern.