Preseason Game Cut Short After Lions Player Suffers Injury

In Atlanta, a preseason game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons was cut short on Friday night due to a serious injury. Detroit safety Morice Norris required approximately 20 minutes of medical attention on the field before being transported to a hospital by ambulance. The game was ultimately called with 6:31 remaining on the clock.

The injury to Norris occurred with 14:50 left in the game as he attempted to tackle Nathan Carter. Lions coach Dan Campbell shared that he had received "positive information" from the hospital, stating that Norris was breathing, talking, and showing some movement. Campbell also requested prayers for the injured player.

Following the injury, play resumed briefly, but Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took a snap and held the ball as players from both teams stood at the line of scrimmage. The clock continued to run until an official announced the game's suspension, citing a directive from New York. At the time of the stoppage, the Lions held a 17-10 lead.

The decision to end the game early was made jointly by Lions coach Dan Campbell and Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Campbell praised Morris, calling him a "class act," and explained that they both agreed it didn't feel appropriate to continue the game. Lions quarterback Kyle Allen echoed this sentiment, stating that no one on the sideline wanted to continue playing.

Morice Norris had recently joined the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2024 NFL Draft.