ATLANTA — In a somber turn of events during Friday night’s preseason matchup at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons agreed to suspend play after Lions safety Morice Norris suffered a severe injury.
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| Preseason Game Suspended After Serious Injury to Lions' Safety Morice Norris |
With 14:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, Norris went in for a tackle on Falcons rookie Nathan Carter and took an inadvertent knee to the head or neck—an impact that caused his head to snap back violently and left him motionless on the turf. Medical staff rushed in, attended to him for close to 20 minutes, and ultimately transported him from the field via ambulance.
As Norris received care, players from both teams gathered at midfield, some kneeling in prayer in a powerful act of solidarity. When the game briefly resumed, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took the next snap and simply stood there with the ball, as the clock continued to run.
Finally, with roughly 6½ minutes left, officials—citing instructions from the league’s New York office—announced the game was officially suspended. At that point, Detroit held a 17‑10 lead.
Reaction & Update on Norris
Lions coach Dan Campbell, visibly emotional, praised Falcons coach Raheem Morris for his compassion and unity in reaching the decision, calling it the right call. “Raheem Morris is the ultimate class act,” Campbell remarked. “We agreed it just didn’t feel right to finish that game.
Postgame updates were cautiously optimistic: Norris was confirmed to be breathing, talking, and moving all extremities, and was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in stable condition. He was to remain hospitalized overnight for further testing and observation .
Campbell called the incident “an eye‑opener,” emphasizing how such harsh reminders put life—and their violent sport—in perspective. Yet, he noted how such moments can “bring out the best in people,” highlighting the camaraderie and support among teammates .
Broader Context
This marks the latest in a string of rare yet alarming preseason suspensions due to serious injuries. In 2023, two games were halted under similar circumstances: one involving Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden, and another with Dolphins receiver Daewood Davis—both taken off in ambulances during play . While preseason contests don’t count toward standings, such incidents underscore the inherent risks of the sport and the NFL's commitment to player welfare.
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