The NFL meeting between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals will not be replayed following the collapse of Damar Hamlin in Monday night's game.
Bills safety Hamlin, 24, suffered a cardiac arrest after tackling Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the match at the Paycor Stadium.
Hamlin initially rose to his feet before falling down onto the turf, as medical personnel rushed to his aid to administer CPR in front of disconsolate players and fans.
Hamlin's heartbeat was restored on the field before he was sent to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition despite showing signs of improvement.
While the game between the Bills and Bengals would have had no impact on the clubs' postseason qualifications, it would have made a difference in the playoff seedings.
However, the NFL recognises that cancelling the match could lead to "potential competitive inequities in certain playoff scenarios", with the final round of regular-season fixtures taking place this weekend.
As a result, the AFC Championship game could be played at a neutral site if the teams have played an unequal number of matches - a scenario which could involve either the Bills or Bengals.
© Reuters
Kansas City chiefs lead the way in the AFC standings, with the Bills and Bengals sitting second and third respectively, and the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens have also clinched playoff spots.
A statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: "This has been a very difficult week. 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. As we considered the football schedule, our principles have been to limit disruption across the league and minimize competitive inequities.
"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."
A positive update released on the Bills' social media on Thursday stated that Hamlin had shown "remarkable" signs of progress in his recovery, saying: "Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours.
"While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress. We are grateful for the love and support we have received."
The Bills end their regular season against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on Sunday evening, while the Bengals host the Ravens at the same time.
Ben Knapton
