Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple. Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals' Eli Apple responds to criticism over possible Damar Hamlin-related tweet

Eli Apple posted on Twitter Tuesday afternoon, in the wake of mounting criticism over a Monday night tweet that may have been mocking Damar Hamlin.

Apple appeared to have spent hours on Monday tweeting, retweeting and quote-tweeting on the social media app with anything related to bashing the Buffalo Bills. 

Apple's Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Bills in the AFC divisional round on Sunday, with the defensive back recording six combined tackles and one pass defended while playing all 63 defensive snaps and doing his part to shut down Bills Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Josh Allen's favorite target finished the loss with just four receptions on 10 targets for scoreless 35 yards.

When the former New York Giants first-round draft pick seemed to allude to Hamlin in a quote-tweet, Buffalo defensive end Shaq Lawson called him out. Apple quote-tweeted one of Diggs' tweets with an emoji making heart hands, which has become Hamlin's famous gesture during his recovery from his cardiac arrest.

Apple and the Bengals will travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Justin Allgaier dominates at Darlington for first win of 2024
Cowboys hint at timeline for extension talks with offensive star
Former Packers WR makes bold prediction about Jordan Love
Watch: Paul Skenes wastes no time showing why Pirates drafted him No. 1 overall
Nationals had 'substantive discussions' with former top prospect about extension
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Patriots make unsurprising decision on top executive
Cowboys release veteran WR
Longtime Steelers DT Cameron Heyward hints contract extension is coming
'Great mind': One-time NBA champion endorses candidate for Lakers HC job
Jrue Holiday jokes about beating departing Celtics assistant who just landed Hornets job
Orioles manager explains Craig Kimbrel's new role
Rays activate key bullpen arm from injured list
Former NBA big man sentenced to 40 months in prison
Nuggets coach got heated with Timberwolves fans
Nuggets make incredible NBA history with Game 3 win
Steelers first-round pick has already 'apologized' to new locker mate
Giants place Gold Glove shortstop on IL
Suns to hire ex-NBA champion as new head coach
MVP Jokic, Nuggets blow out Timberwolves on road in Game 3