Bears offer prayers to Bills' Damar Hamlin after he collapses on field

CHICAGO (CBS/AP) -- The Bears sent prayers to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin after he collapsed in the field during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday night.

The Bears issued a tweet sending thoughts and prayers to Hamlin and the Bills.

Individual Bears players, including Cody Whitehair, Jaquan Brisker, and quarterback Justin Fields, also offered prayers and well-wishes.

The game was in the final moments of the first quarter when the 24-year-old Hamlin tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. It's not clear exactly what happened, but a correspondent for ESPN, which was broadcasting the game, said that Hamlin "made a hit, he got up, took a couple of steps and then just fell to the ground." 

Medical personnel treated Hamlin on the field for about 10 minutes, including appearing to administer CPR, before an ambulance was driven onto the field, the announcers said. Hamlin appeared to be given oxygen as he was loaded into the ambulance. 

"Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition," the NFL said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available."

ESPN announcers said that Hamlin's mother was in attendance at the game and rode with him in the ambulance. Specifics on what caused Hamlin to collapse or what injuries he may have sustained were not provided.

The NFL said Hamlin is in critical condition.

The game was initially "temporarily suspended," referees said, and the players went back into their respective locker rooms. Many had crowded around Hamlin while he was being treated and several appeared to be distressed.

"The entire Bills team is out on the field right now," said the ESPN correspondent as they waited for news on Hamlin's condition. "Several players are down on their knees, others are holding hands, praying. You can just see the worried looks on their faces." 

The decision to postpone the game for the night was made about an hour after Hamlin collapsed.

Late Monday, Hamlin's friend and marketing advisor said Hamlin's vitals were back to normal – and doctors had put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They continued to run tests.

The 24-year-old Hamlin is in his second year with the Bills. He didn't see much playing time as a rookie but has been a much bigger part of Buffalo's defense this season. Entering the game, the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin had 91 tackles, including 63 solo tackles, and 1 1/2 sacks.

On-field medical emergencies have happened before in NFL games, and once ended in tragedy. In 1971, Chuck Hughes of the Detroit Lions collapsed and died during a game against the Bears at Tiger Stadium.

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