The Bengals were leading 7-3 in the first quarter of the game in Cincinnati when Hamlin collapsed after making a tackle. He was given CPR and taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital as distraught players from both teams looked on.
"This has been a very difficult week," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement announcing the cancellation, which came on the same day that Hamlin's doctors said he was awake and communicating with them.
"We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country.
"We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them."
Goodell noted that the game had no effect on which clubs would qualify for the postseason but resuming the game would require pushing back the start of the playoffs.
The Bengals and the Bills are both in the hunt for the AFC's top seed, which comes with a first-round playoff bye. The regular season concludes on Sunday.
Goodell said cancelling the game created potential competitiveness inequities in certain playoff scenarios and said the clubs will consider a league proposal on seeding and the potential use of neutral sites in a meeting on Friday.
"As we considered the football schedule, our principles have been to limit disruption across the league and minimize competitive inequities," Goodell said.
"I recognize that there is no perfect solution. The proposal we are asking the ownership to consider, however, addresses the most significant potential equitable issues created by the difficult, but necessary, decision not to play the game under these extraordinary circumstances."
BILLS VS PATRIOTS
When the host Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots meet on Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y., whatever happens between the hash marks will be the last thing many players, coaches and fans care about.
Hamlin will unquestionably be at the forefront of hearts and minds.
Good news came Thursday when Buffalo announced that Hamlin has shown "remarkable improvement" and "appears to be neurologically intact" despite remaining in critical condition.
"He's a beautiful, unique soul," Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins said of Hamlin while wearing a hat with the logo of Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation, which has now raised over $7 million for a toy drive. "He's a true person."
Every team across the league has been offering their support, too, and the Patriots (8-8) were no exception.
New England owner Robert Kraft and the team donated to Hamlin's charity, and several players took to social media to offer their well wishes to Hamlin and his family.
"It seemed like the care that was given was very prompt and good, and thankful for that," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "Life's bigger than this game. This is one of these humbling moments for all of us that stands out."
McDermott said Thursday that Mario Hamlin, Damar's father, told Bills players to focus on Sunday's regular-season finale because it is what Damar Hamlin would want.
And there's a lot on the line for both teams.
For the Patriots? Win and they're in.
However, the Patriots can also punch their ticket to the playoffs with losses from the Dolphins and Steelers and a win from the Jaguars should they lose on Sunday.
"We're in a one-game season and need to play well against one of the most explosive offenses and certainly one of the top players in the league," Belichick said. "They got several good players, but (Josh) Allen by himself is a tough matchup for any player, any defense."
Buffalo (12-3) isn't under nearly as much pressure, as it has already guaranteed itself at least one game beyond Week 18.
The Bills still have a shot to lock down the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but it would mean beating the Patriots and finishing off their game against the Bengals with a victory. There's no guarantee they'll get that chance. A No. 1 seed would also require the Kansas City Chiefs to lose against Las Vegas on Saturday.
Safety Jordan Poyer might not be able to help the Bills just quite yet after he missed Thursday's practice with a knee injury. Allen (ankle), tight end Dawson Knox (hip) and linebacker Matt Milano (knee) were among those limited.
Defensive lineman Davon Godchaux was a non-participant at the Patriots' Thursday practice due to an illness. Wide receivers Jakobi Meyers (shoulder) and DeVante Parker (concussion) were limited, as were defensive backs Marcus Jones (concussion) and Myles Bryant (shoulder).
