The Buffalo Bills’ return to play for the first time since Damar Hamlin’s collapse opened with a statement score.
Nyheim Hines fielded the kickoff at the Buffalo 4-yard line and streaked up the right sideline to score a touchdown nearly untouched. Hines ran through the end zone and jumped into the stands as the crowd at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., erupted in cheers.
The Bills led the Patriots, 7-0, in the first quarter.
Moments before the game began, a photograph of Hamlin with his parents, Nina and Mario, was posted to his Twitter account. They appeared to be watching the game from his hospital room at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
