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‘It puts things into perspective:’ Jaguars players, coach reflect on Damar Hamlin’s injury

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — While Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains in the intensive care unit, fans and well wishers across the nation are praying for his recovery and showing their support in many ways, including here in Jacksonville.

Action Sports Jax’s Brent Martineau explains how the Jacksonville Jaguars are coping with Hamlin’s injury as they prepare for Saturday’s 8:15 p.m. game against the Tennessee Titans.

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This week in the NFL has been a delicate balance for those covering the sport. But obviously for those playing and coaching the sport, inside Jags headquarters, it has been the same as the other 31 teams around the league.

Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with Hamlin, who was injured Monday night. At the same time, the Jags and many other teams are getting ready for one of the biggest games of the NFL season.

“It puts things into perspective. Like, obviously, we love playing this game, you know, we’ve been doing it all our lives. But, I mean, it’s dangerous. You know, I think it hits home with all of us ‘cause that could have been any one of us in his shoes and you know, we’re all praying for him. We said a prayer for him in our team meeting at the beginning of the week. You know, we’re hoping he pulls through,” said Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew.

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Players in Jacksonville and around the league are living out their dream, but realize they play a dangerous sport.

“I think it’s scary for everybody to see that,” Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said. “You just hate that something like this happens to someone, especially a guy like Damar, a guy I played against in college. ... It’s scary for us that play the game and everyone that is involved any way in football, and even if you’re not, is feeling what happened on Monday.”

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Head Coach Doug Pederson spoke on “Good Morning Football” about how he’s trying to be there for his team.

“It’s human nature. It’s the humanity, it’s the ... You have to just be real and humble and, you know, you have to address it and you have to talk about it and you have to ... Players are going to have questions, coaches are going to have questions, your organization are going to have questions. And listen, you know, I can honestly say I don’t have all the answers, and you know, but at the same time, I want my players to understand that we’re here for them.”

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