Detroit's Morice Norris Suffers Serious Injury, Halting Lions-Falcons Preseason Match Early
Lions' Rookie Safety Morice Norris Suffers Serious Preseason Injury
A tense atmosphere engulfed the game between the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, as the contest was abruptly suspended with 6:31 remaining on the clock. The Lions were leading 17-10 at the time.
The cause for the suspension was a severe injury sustained by Detroit safety Morice Norris during a tackle on Falcons running back Nathan Carter. Norris' facemask was facing Carter's midsection, causing his head to snap back violently after the hit.
Following the collision, Norris was attended to by medical personnel for approximately 20 minutes before being transported off the field in an ambulance. The decision to suspend the game was made "per New York." Both coaches, Dan Campbell (Detroit) and Raheem Morris (Atlanta), agreed not to continue playing under the circumstances.
Lions quarterback Kyle Allen noted that the lengthy attention given to Norris by the medical staff indicated the injury was serious. Neither coach provided any further details about Norris' condition following the injury.
Norris was hospitalized in stable condition and later released to return home and the Lions' facility. He is currently in concussion protocol and showing signs of recovery. Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated Norris is doing well and the team will monitor his progress over the next 10 to 14 days with reassessment planned.
The prognosis appears cautiously optimistic: although the injury was severe, doctors and former Lions chiropractor Solomon Cogan believe Norris’s recovery outlook is positive since he is responsive and communicating. Norris himself posted on social media reassuring fans that he is “all good” and expressing gratitude for support.
Norris, listed as Detroit's second-team safety, is an Atlanta rookie. The injury occurred while he was attempting to tackle Carter. Raheem Morris was described as a "class act" by Dan Campbell for his handling of the situation.
Neither team wished to continue playing after the suspension of the game. Emory Jones, the Falcons' quarterback, took a snap and held the ball as both teams stood at the line of scrimmage, allowing the clock to continue running. The game ended with 6:31 to go after the players let the clock run.
No further football plays were executed after the suspension. The Lions and Atlanta have not announced any plans to reschedule the game at this time.
The injury sustained by Detroit Lions' rookie safety Morice Norris, during a tackle in an NFL American-football game, has cast a cloud over the sport. Despite initial fears, Norris' recovery outlook seems positive, as he responds and communicates well, with doctors and former Lions chiropractor Solomon Cogan hopeful for his full recovery.
