Bills' Hamlin, Elam healthy scratches for MNF vs. Jets

The final step of Damar Hamlin's miraculous recovery will have to wait at least another week.

The Buffalo Bills safety is a healthy scratch for Monday night's matchup with the New York Jets, the team announced.

Hamlin won't suit up for Buffalo's opener due to "a numbers crunch in the defensive backfield," sources told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. He could reportedly see action for Buffalo in the coming weeks.

Cornerback Kaiir Elam, the Bills' 2022 first-round pick, is also inactive despite having no injury designation. Elam appeared in 13 games as a rookie, making six starts.

Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and had his heartbeat restored by medical staff on the field during last season's Week 17 Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 25-year-old has since made a full recovery. He was able to participate in training camp and the preseason after being cleared to resume football activities by three specialists.

The 2021 sixth-round pick racked up 91 tackles and one forced fumble last season.