Bills make Damar Hamlin roster decision

Safety Damar Hamlin will make his official return to action with the Buffalo Bills next month. 

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero (h/t Kevin Patra) reported Tuesday afternoon that a source confirmed that Hamlin made the Bills' initial 53-man roster. It's yet another remarkable achievement for the 25-year-old who nearly lost his life when he went into cardiac arrest during a "Monday Night Football" game at the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.

Hamlin made it known as far back as February that he wanted to eventually resume his playing career following his medical emergency, and he was cleared to begin working out with the team in April. He understandably admitted this summer he felt "a little scared here and there" upon making his return to padded practices but also said at that time he was "living with" his decision to continue playing. 

While Hamlin has become a fan-favorite throughout the NFL community this year, individuals such as The Athletic's Tim Graham had mentioned that the Bills realistically could cut the 2021 sixth-round draft pick depending on how he performed during preseason games. 

Hamlin ultimately impressed head coach Sean McDermott starting with the exhibition opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 12 and left little doubt by this past weekend that he should continue serving as a special-teams player and a backup safety for the championship contenders. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed Hamlin as the overwhelming betting favorite at -275 odds to earn Comeback Player of the Year honors for the upcoming season. To compare, Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was second on the list at +2000 odds at that time. 

History suggests everybody should avoid betting against Hamlin considering all that he's accomplished since early January. He and the Bills will now prepare to begin the upcoming regular season with a "Monday Night Football" matchup at the division-rival New York Jets on Sept. 11.