Bills safety Damar Hamlin was fighting for his life on Monday night. Days later, he’s not just surviving, but making an inspiring amount of progress.

The latest news on Hamlin, via the team, is that doctors were able to remove his breathing tube and he can now breathe on his own and speak to family members. This follows up Thursday’s update from a pair of doctors at the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, who confirmed that he had woken up with all neurological conditions and functions intact.

Further, Hamlin was able to do a FaceTime with his Bills teammates and told them: “Love you boys.” He’s also re-shared a few posts on his Instagram story. It’s unclear what the road ahead is going to be like for Hamlin, let alone a return to football. But the progress he’s made in just a few short days has been nothing short remarkable, considering where he was Monday night.

Hamlin’s progress has allowed his Bills teammates to focus on getting back to work, as the NFL held steady on the Week 18 schedule going on as planned. Of course, that means the Patriots will take the field against the Bills on Sunday at Highmark Stadium, which promises to be one of the most emotional scenes we’ll ever see in pro football.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDermott confirmed to reporters on Thursday that they’re good to go for Sunday, so one can expect that all healthy players will be inspired to take the field themselves, and go win a game for their teammate.

From a football standpoint, the Patriots will unfortunately be caught in that crossfire, as they fight for a playoff spot themselves. But the Bills were already the much more talented team with an MVP-caliber quarterback leading the way. Add the circumstances of rallying around Hamlin on top of that, and it’s likely going to be incredibly difficult for the Patriots to pull off a shocking upset in Buffalo.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 24: Damar Hamlin #3, Jaquan Johnson #4 and Jordan Poyer #21 of the Buffalo Bills take the field prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

But despite the competition on the field and playoff implications, it’ll be hard for fans across the league not to root for the Bills, or be happy for them to triumph over what’s been a harrowing week for everyone in the organization.

Ultimately, signs are pointing to an inspiring story of resilience and recovery for Hamlin. And it’s OK to focus on football again. Especially after Hamlin delivered an all-time football guy moment when he asked doctors who won Monday night’s game.

Tell me Hamlin wouldn’t WANT his teammates to go out and play the game they love.

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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.