ATLANTA — Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was reported to be in stable condition after suffering an injury during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night. Medical staff attended to Norris for approximately 20 minutes before he was taken off the field in an ambulance, leading to the early end of the game.
The Lions announced in a statement that Norris is conscious and responsive, and he will remain at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for observation overnight. The team expressed gratitude to the Atlanta Falcons organization, the emergency medical team at the stadium, and hospital staff for their support during this difficult time.
Norris was injured while attempting to tackle Falcons running back Nathan Carter early in the fourth quarter. An official decision was made to suspend the game with 6:31 remaining, as the Lions were leading 17-10.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell asked for prayers for the 24-year-old player. “We’re just praying for Mo and would appreciate everyone joining us in these prayers,” Campbell stated. Additionally, he mentioned that Norris’s mother was present at the hospital for support.
Norris, who previously played at Fresno State and is currently the second-string safety for the Lions, collided with Carter during the tackle. The impact caused Norris’s head to snap back, raising immediate concern from those on the field.
Lions quarterback Kyle Allen noted that the number of medical personnel on the scene indicated the seriousness of the injury. “It’s never a good sign when they bring out the stretchers. We started praying for him and remained hopeful,” Allen shared.
Campbell and Falcons coach Raheem Morris jointly decided that it was not appropriate to continue the game following the injury. “Raheem Morris is a true class act,” Campbell remarked. “It just didn’t feel right to keep playing.”
Morris added that deciding to stop the game was a matter of common courtesy. “It was difficult to witness, and we agreed it was the right call for both teams,” he said.
The decision to halt the game raised comparisons to other recent preseason incidents, where games were also canceled due to player injuries. These situations underscore the inherent risks of football and the solidarity among players, regardless of the teams they represent.
As the NFL season approaches, fans are reminded to keep all players in their thoughts, acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges they face on and off the field.
