Bills' Hamlin to start at safety in Week 1

Damar Hamlin will start at safety for the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

It's Hamlin's first NFL start since he suffered cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football on Jan. 2, 2023.

Hamlin was cleared to return to play last season but appeared in only five games, primarily contributing on special teams.

He will be partnered by Taylor Rapp in the secondary for Sunday's matchup.

Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, the Bills' two starting safeties in Week 1 a year ago, departed in free agency.

A sixth-round pick in 2021, Hamlin has 13 career starts under his belt with 95 tackles, one forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks.