Damar Hamlin. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bills' Damar Hamlin takes monumental step in recovery

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin took an inspiring and monumental step Tuesday in his continued recovery from January's cardiac arrest.

Hamlin first took part in OTA individual drills in late May but didn't participate in team activities or wear a helmet. That all changed on Tuesday in Orchard Park.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane talked with reporters about what the next step is for the 25-year-old.

Hamlin suffered his cardiac arrest during Buffalo's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals in early January.

In March, Beane said that Hamlin had "every intention to play," perhaps as soon as during the 2023 NFL season. In mid-May, the general manager said that the University of Pittsburgh product had been cleared by doctors to resume football activities.

Hamlin was chosen as the Pro Football Writers of America's 2023 George Halas Award winner last month.

With each new, positive update, it seems more and more likely that Hamlin will be back on the gridiron when the Bills kick off their 2023 season. His ongoing recovery and eventual full comeback in an NFL game has been and will continue to be, one of the best feel-good stories in the league.

Buffalo will open up their regular season on the road against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sept. 11 on "Monday Night Football." The Bills will host the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener on Sept. 17.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025
J.J. Watt reveals his thoughts on a potential NFL comeback
Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win
Andrey Rublev conquers Felix Auger-Aliassime, fever for Madrid title
Lando Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for his first career F1 victory
Watch: Astros woes continue in one-run loss to Mariners
Panthers star throws some shade at defeated Maple Leafs
NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas delayed
Watch: Juan Soto's three-run double gives Yankees 5-2 lead over Tigers in seventh
Pirates GM responds to calls to promote ace pitching prospect
Dodgers place right-hander on 15-day injured list
Former All-Pro CB medically cleared for football activities

Want more Bills news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.