06 January 2023 , 13:57
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The NFL has confirmed that the suspended game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills will not be replayed following Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest.
Despite the game having huge playoff implications ,with both teams still in the race to secure the number one seed and earn a bye through the first-round, the teams and the NFL have collectively decided not to resume. They will now have their post-season positions determined based on their winning percentage for a 16-game season, rather than the 17 games played by all other NFL teams.
Because of this disparity, the league has also recommended changes to this years playoffs, with the AFC championship game - the final meeting of the top two teams in the conference before the Super Bowl - being played on a neutral field.
Team owners will consider a number of options in a special league meeting held later on Friday.
The Kansas City Chiefs could be given top spot having played one more game than the Bills and Bengals (the three teams in the race for the number one seed).
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In a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "This has been a very difficult week. We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country. We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them."
Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills game will not be replayed in the regular seasonThe regular season will indeed come to a close this Sunday in Week 18, as originally scheduled, with the playoffs getting underway the following week.
Doctors from the University of Cincinnati hospital revealed the news that Hamlin began to wake up on Thursday, while giving the amazing confirmation that his neurological function is intact. Hamlin does remain in ICU, but is said to have made 'substantial improvement'.
Dr Pritts said: "He's made substantial improvement. It appears his neurological condition and function is intact. We are very proud to report that. ... This marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care.
"We are in the situation that we have allowed him to gradually wake up as the body was healing. Last night he was able to emerge, follow commands and asked who won the game."