Bills players coaches to ‘guide’ NFL decision on whether to play Patriots

Patriots NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent said the league has not ruled out postponing the game. Tell us: Is the NFL right to go ahead with the Patriots-Bills game as scheduled? Patriots, Bills postpone media availability after Damar Hamlin collapse

The NFL is planning to continue with its Week 18 schedule following Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s collapse on the field earlier this week.

However, in a tragic and uncertain situation like this, things can change.

The Bills are scheduled to play the Patriots on Sunday at 1:00 PM in Buffalo. NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent told reporters the league has not ruled out postponing the game, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.

“We’ll let Sean [McDermott] and his team, his staff and the players, which are the most important things here, to guide us if we have to make that decision,” Vincent said.

Buffalo returned to team meetings today and had some progress, but did not hold a media availability.

Vincent also doesn’t rule out pushing Patriots-Bills on Sunday:

“We’re going to let Sean (McDermott) and his team, his staff and the players, which are the most important things here, guide us if we have to make that decision.”

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) January 4, 2023

Hamlin remains hospitalized at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition, according to the Bills. The team released a statement saying Hamlin showed signs of improvement overnight and is expected to remain in the ICU while being monitored by staff.

Buffalo’s game against Cincinnati was suspended in the first quarter after Hamlin tackled Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins and fell back to the ground after he got to his feet. Medical personnel administered CPR on Hamlin after he went into cardiac arrest. He left the field in an ambulance.

The NFL has since said the Buffalo-Cincinnati game will not be played this week. No decision has been made on when or if it will resume.

The Patriots held a practice on Wednesday. DeVante Parker returned for the first time since suffering a concussion against the Cardinals. Linebacker and return specialist Marcus Jones was absent.

The Patriots can clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Bills on Sunday. There’s also a scenario where they could clinch a spot despite a loss: if the Dolphins, Steelers and Titans also lose.

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