Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talked to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since Buffalo Bills safety collapsed on the field on Monday Night Football, providing detail about what happened on the field as both teams navigated a very difficult situation.

Taylor opened the press conference by recognizing the work of all the medical professionals that were involved.

"They were on it, they were composed," the Bengals head coach told reporters. "For me personally, being down there and seeing the composure that everyone involved had, obviously not knowing how the situation was going to unfold, I was led to believe that it was going to be positive because of how they handled it."

Taylor also recognized the work of the university hospital – both from the medical and security staff – and revealed the Bengals organization is focusing on supporting Hamlin's family and the Bills while giving also respecting their privacy.

Cincinnati's head coach also pointed out the officials' work both with the Bengals and Bills.

"They did a great job of stepping back and asking the Bills what they needed and us what we needed," detailed Taylor.

"During those moments, all everyone is hoping for is the best-case scenario with Damar. Nobody's processing whether this game was going to be played or delayed. That's not going through everyone's minds."

Taylor added he's seen the TV copies now and understands why people watching were forced to think that way.

"It was just how is this player going to be okay."

Taylor described how once the ambulance left the field, the officials gave both the Bills and Bengals some moments as teams to "just process what happened and separate and go to our sidelines."

The officials then approached Taylor to let him know the Bills were still processing what happened and that led to the Bengals head coach approaching Sean McDermott to avoid "playing telephone."

"I won't disclose any of the private conversations Sean and I had except for this, when I got over the first thing he said was 'I need to be in the hospital with Damar. I shouldn't be coaching this game," Taylor told reporters.

"At that point, everything trended in the direction it needed to trend and the right decisions were made there."

"I really felt Sean McDermott right at that moment he was there for his players. he processed things the right way, which is incredibly difficult and really helped get to the solution that we needed to get to."

Taylor added that the thoughts and prayers should be with Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

Asked about the pending decision by the NFL on the currently postponed game, Taylor indicated he'll let those who want to make a decision on it do so.

"All that's really in front of us is getting ready for Baltimore on Sunday."

Currently, Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains sedated and in critical condition at UC Medical Center.

Update from Bills: Damar Hamlin remains in the ICU in critical condition with signs of improvement noted yesterday and overnight.

He is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2023

Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK