Insider reveals interesting Damar Hamlin return update

Fans may want to pump the brakes as it pertains to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin returning to NFL action. 

As shared by Kevin Harrish of the Comeback, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday that a decision about Hamlin's playing future has not yet been made. Rapoport offered his update after NFL Players Association medical director Thom Mayer confidently said during a SiriusXM Doctor Radio appearance that he "guarantees" Hamlin "will play professional football again."

"It was interesting to hear the comments from Thom Mayer, the NFLPA doctor on the radio yesterday, I believe, saying Damar Hamlin will play football again," Rapoport explained. "Certainly, that was news to Damar Hamlin, and (NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith) has since walked that back. My understanding of the situation is Hamlin has still not yet been cleared by the Bills. The most important thing for him is his health and making it all back."

Rapoport added that "it sounds like (Hamlin) just does not know" if he's going to play or if he will be cleared. 

Hamlin famously went into cardiac arrest on Jan. 2 and spent over a week inside medical facilities until he was discharged on Jan. 11. He's since made multiple public appearances, including several during Super Bowl week related to receiving the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award. 

Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN mentioned that Hamlin joined medical personnel responsible for saving his life and restoring his health on stage at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night. 

"My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player that I could be, but God's plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world," Hamlin said during his comments. 

Hamlin, 24, presumably remains in the early stages of what will undoubtedly be a lengthy recovery and isn't anywhere close to being physically, emotionally or mentally ready to face live offenses in a meaningful game. It's unknown when he may address his football future.