Damar Hamlin showing 'remarkable improvement over past 24 hours'

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has shown what physicians treating him are calling "remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours," the team announced Thursday, three days after the player went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.

Dr. Timothy Pritts said in a conference call at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center that neurological signs of improvement began Wednesday night as Hamlin gradually woke up, with the rest of his body healing. Hamlin was able to communicate by writing; he cannot speak because of a breathing tube in his throat.

"Last night he was able to emerge and follow commands and even asked who had won the game," Pritts said.

The game was suspended after Hamlin collapsed and it hasn't been determined if or when it will resume.

"The answer is yes, Damar, you won the game of life," Pritts said.

WATCH l Sight of Hamlin collapsing renews questions about game's safety:

Dr. William Knight credited the quick medical response with saving Hamlin's life.

He said a physician was within Hamlin's side within a minute of him collapsing and recognized that the defensive back did not have a pulse. Knight said Hamlin required CPR and resuscitation on the field.

"It's been a long and difficult road for the last three days ... he has made a pretty remarkable improvement," Knight said.

Hamlin's agent, Ronald Butler, told The Associated Press that Hamlin was awake and has been able to grip the hands of family members at his hospital bedside.

The developments came as the Bills were scheduled to return to practice on Thursday for the first time since Hamlin collapsed when his heart stopped after making a tackle and was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center during the first quarter of Buffalo's game against the Bengals on Monday night. The second-year player spent the past two days sedated and listed in critical condition.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick called the update on Hamlin's health encouraging.

"Life is bigger than this game. And I think this is one of those humbling moments for all of us," Belichick said.

As to how his players were dealing with preparations for the game scheduled for Sunday, he said they are navigating it by the moment.