Going to work this week can’t be easy for NFL coaches and players. Just a couple of days removed from Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s sudden collapse on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers returned to the practice field on Wednesday with the effects of the tragedy still fresh.
“What we all witnessed Monday night was a sad deal,” said LaFleur. “It was very traumatic. It kind of puts what we do into perspective and how that supersedes anything in life is these players’ health and safety, and everybody’s health and safety. That was tough to watch, obviously, and our thoughts and prayers are with Damar and his family and the Buffalo Bills.”
LaFleur addressed the circumstances involving Hamlin with his team before Wednesday’s practice and said the room was “very quiet.”
“It’s something that’s been on our guys’ minds quite a bit, and I think it’s tough for these guys to compartmentalize and understand that you’re thinking about that and trying to get ready for a game,” said LaFleur.
All NFL games are currently scheduled to be played in Week 18, including the Packers’ Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions with playoff implications.
According to LaFleur, head athletic trainer Brian “Flea” Engel also spoke to the team, reassuring them of how many people are available on gameday to support them in cases of emergency.
After Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest on the field following a play in the first quarter, medical personnel responded with CPR to restore his heartbeat before taking him to the hospital. Hamlin’s status has improved, but he remains in critical condition.
For players in need of mental health services, LaFleur said, Dr. Chris Carr, the team’s Director of Performances Psychology and Team Behavioral Health Clinician, is available in addition to resources outside the building. LaFleur also said the team is holding a meeting after practice for players who need to talk to someone.
A couple of coaches asked LaFleur about having Sunday’s game against the Lions pushed back but didn’t have an answer since it’s a league decision.
“It’s whatever the league decides,” he said.
NFL executive vice president of football operations, Troy Vincent, said on a conference call that the league hadn’t discussed the Patriots-Bills game in Week 18 yet but didn’t rule out a postponement. Vincent said the decision will come down to what Buffalo wants to do.
Meanwhile, the Packers are still “trying” to prepare for Sunday’s game.
“It’s not easy, but you have to do the best job you can,” LaFleur said. “I think every team is dealing with this right now, we all are, and that speaks to the brotherhood of this league and how important these guys are to one another and the compassion that we have for one another.”
