Packers Coach Matt LaFleur Brought In Specialists, Team Trainer To Talk To Players About Damar Hamlin Situation

Published|Updated

As the NFL attempts to get back to normal following the scary situation involving Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Monday Night Football, some are taking actions. One such person is Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.

LaFleur addressed the media Wednesday and shared a long opening statement about Damar Hamlin. He also said that specialists are coming in after practice for any player who wants to talk through the situation.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is trying to get his team read for a pivotal game while the NFL world deals with an incredibly difficult situation.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is trying to get his team read for a pivotal game while the NFL world deals with an incredibly difficult situation. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

LaFleur said the team discussed Hamlin at their meeting on Wednesday morning.

"It was very, very quiet in there. I know that's something that's been on these guys minds quite a bit," LaFleur said.

"I think it's tough for these guys to compartmentalize and understand that you're thinking about that you're trying to get ready for a game."

Additionally, LaFleur had his head athletic trainer, Brian "Flea" Engel, address the team. According to the head coach, Engel tried to allay concerns and fears of players by describing how well-staffed NFL games are in terms of medical personnel.

" had a chance to talk to our guys ... and kind of give them just how many people are there to support in case of an emergency on game day," LaFleur said. "It sounds like everything went as good as it possibly could have in situation just in terms of all the medical professionals and it's so important that we have everybody there to help in that situation."

Full opening statement:

Packers, LaFleur preparing for important Sunday game

Later, a reporter asked LaFleur about mental health resources available to the players. LaFleur said the team has a mental health professional on staff. Plus, he mentioned resources outside the building, and an optional session for post-practice for players who wish to talk about the situation.

LaFleur stated that some of his coaches asked about whether or not this week's games would be pushed back. He deflected that question onto the league and praised their decision to postpone Monday Night Football.

"I've had a couple coaches ask ... it's whatever the league decides," LaFleur said. "I do think the league decided, obviously the correct decision the other night to postpone or cancel ."

The Packers host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football with a postseason berth on the line. A victory over the line clinches the playoffs for the fourth-straight season.

The team has not missed the postseason since 2018, the season prior to hiring LaFleur.

Tags
Written by

Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.