Alaina GetzenbergESPN2 Minute Reading
MNF is back! Get ready for Aaron Rodgers Jets debut against the Bills
Division rivals Bills and Jets take the field in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup for the first “Monday Night Football” game of the season.
Hamlin, 25, is healthy after suffering a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2 during a regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals that was eventually abandoned. He has been fully participating in Bills practices since early June during OTAs after being physically cleared to return to spring football. He also played well in all three of the team’s preseason games.
The decision was not surprising because Hamlin made the team’s roster as a backup safety and special teams contributor, making the decision based on the number of players the team could have active for the game.
Fellow backup Taylor Rapp, who was signed this offseason, also put together a strong training camp and preseason.
Hamlin is a backup to veteran Micah Hyde, who is dealing with a back injury this week, but has fully participated in the last two days of the team’s week and did not carry an injury designation for the game. Hamlin started 13 games in place of Hyde last season after he suffered a season-ending neck injury.