The past several days brought hopeful news about the recovery of hospitalized NFL player Damar Hamlin, who is no longer relying on a breathing tube, according to his medical team.
Here's what we've learned about the health of the Buffalo Bills safety, who remains in treatment at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center:
- Hamlin is breathing on his own: The Bills said in a tweet that Hamlin's breathing tube was removed late Thursday or early Friday. His doctors have said breathing on his own without a ventilator is a critical step. On Saturday, the team said Hamlin was making "continued progress" and his "neurological function is excellent."
- Hamlin is talking with loved ones: Initially, Hamlin could only write messages to family members and doctors at his bedside (including to ask who won the gameagainst the Bengals). But Hamlin is now speaking and catching up with friends by phone. He joined a Bills team meeting via FaceTime, giving a needed boost to his worried teammates.
- A long road ahead: Though Hamlin's medical team has called his recovery "remarkable" so far, they've also cautioned that there are many phases of treatment ahead. The Bills said Saturday that he "remains in critical condition."
- The cause of his cardiac arrest is not yet clear: Hamlin's doctors said tests are still underway to determine what caused the medical emergency and that there are no "definitive answers" at this time. Here's what to know about the differences between cardiac arrest, heart attack and heart failure.
- Family and team staff stayed with Hamlin: Bills general manager Brandon Beane remained in Cincinnati until Tuesday night with Hamlin, and he said an assistant athletic trainer was still at the medical center as of Friday. Beane had powerful words in praise of the safety's parents, who he said left him "in awe" with their strength.
