Damar Hamlin set to take next step in comeback bid in Bills' preseason game

Damar Hamlin has reached another major milestone in his return to football.

The Bills safety was scheduled to play in Buffalo's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. The game will mark the first time Hamlin has appeared in a competitive setting since going into cardiac arrest and needing to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2.

Hamlin's return was briefly placed on hold due to a thunderstorm rolling through the region about 75 minutes before kickoff. Players returned to the field to conduct their pregame warmup after about a half-hour delay.

Hamlin was fully dressed in uniform and pads, and had his helmet on when taking the field with his fellow defensive backs.

Earlier, the NFL posted a brief video of Hamlin's arrival at the stadium on its social media account with the message saying, "Welcome back, @HamlinIsland." In the video, Hamlin flashes his familiar heart sign and puts out three fingers to signify his jersey number as he entered the tunnel.

Welcome back, <a href="https://twitter.com/HamlinIsland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HamlinIsland</a>