The Detroit Lions’ preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons was called off early Friday night after defensive back Morice Norris of the Lions seemed to have sustained a significant injury. Early in the fourth quarter, Norris, a Fresno State sophomore cornerback in his second season, seemed to be knocked unconscious while attempting to make a tackle and was rushed off the field in an ambulance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Late Saturday night, the Lions gave encouraging news, stating that Norris’ health was stable and that he could move and feel all of his extremities. For observation, Norris will spend the night at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
Replay revealed that Norris’ head seemed to snap back as it struck Falcons running back Nathan Carter’s leg during the play, and he did not stand up after trying to make a tackle. After receiving extensive medical care, Norris was eventually carried into an ambulance; by the time he was removed from the field, the Lions’ broadcast team reported that he was blinking his eyes. Given how serious Norris’ injury was, the Lions and Falcons decided to simply let the game clock run out. 22 players, 11 from each squad, eventually emerged to the middle of the field, formed a circle, and briefly clasped hands.
At the moment, the Lions were ahead 17–10. After the game, Lions coach Dan Campbell gave a largely encouraging update, stating that Norris is still breathing, speaking, and moving around a little. Additionally, Campbell stated that he and Falcons coach Raheem Morris were in agreement to end the game. With 6:31 left in the fourth quarter, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took the snap and held onto the ball, causing both teams to cease playing. The time ran out until the NFL officially suspended play. Morris informed reporters with Atlanta that the choice was taken out of respect for Norris and that he was not sure if the NFL league office would be displeased about both teams running out of time.”It’s not in my thoughts right now,” Morris said. “I want to be clear.”
Morice Norris and his family are on my mind. That’s all.
After signing with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2024, Norris was elevated to the active roster towards the end of his first NFL season after spending a large portion of it on the team’s practice squad. For the first time, Norris is trying to make the Lions’ original 53-man roster.
