Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin in critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest against Bengals

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in a critical condition after collapsing during the first quarter of the NFL Monday night game against Cincinnati Bengals.

The game was postponed after a lengthy stoppage as Hamlin was being treated on the field having suffered a cardiac arrest. He received CPR and eventually taken off the field via ambulance. Hamlin, who collapsed after making a tackle, was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Centre. The Bills released a statement early Tuesday morning that read: "Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."

An ambulance was brought onto the field a few minutes after Hamlin, 24, fell to the ground, not moving.

He was removed from the field approximately 15 minutes after collapsing. Hamlin tackled Cincinnati's Tee Higgins after a 13-yard gain to the Bills' 48-yard line. He got up and took a step before falling backward to the ground. Players from both teams crowded into the area near midfield as Hamlin was being worked on. Buffalo players were pictured visibly upset with some in tears.

Both teams went into the locker room once play was suspended. The NFL said in a statement announced that the decision to halt the game was made with the agreement of the NFL Players Association. Hamlin's marketing representative, Jordon Rooney, later tweeted, "Update on Damar: His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them." It wasn't immediately