Football match between Lions and Falcons put on hold due to severe injury sustained by safety player Morice Norris
Detroit Lions Safety Morice Norris Suffers Head Injury in Preseason Game
In a shocking turn of events during the NFL preseason game between the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons on August 8, 2025, Lions safety Morice Norris was injured while attempting a tackle on Nathan Carter. The incident resulted in a seizure-like episode, and Norris received nearly 20 minutes of on-field medical attention before being taken by ambulance to a hospital.
Norris, initially in stable condition, was hospitalized overnight and released the following day. He returned to the Lions’ training facility and has entered the concussion protocol. Coach Dan Campbell reported that Norris is "doing well," and the team is adopting a cautious approach with a 10 to 14-day assessment plan to monitor his recovery from the concussion.
The injury was severe enough for the game to be suspended following an agreement between the coaches and officials out of concern for Norris. Norris has since reassured fans via social media that he is "all good" and expressed gratitude to his supporters.
Meanwhile, the Lions' top two draft picks, defensive lineman Tyleik Williams and right guard Tate Rutledge, made their debuts in the game. Quarterback Kyle Allen replaced Hendon Hooker and threw two touchdown passes for Detroit, with Jackson Meeks receiving a 68-yard pass from Allen. At the time play was stopped, Detroit led Atlanta 17-10.
Easton Stick completed 15 of 18 passes for 159 yards for Atlanta, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Chris Blair. Atlanta's other first-round pick, edge rusher James Pearce Jr., also started. The Falcons' rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker returned to practice on Monday after missing much of the opening week of training camp due to a minor hamstring injury.
The game ended with 6:31 remaining, as players let the clock run. The Falcons will play another home game next Friday against Tennessee following joint practices with the Titans at the Falcons' complex next week.
Detroit will return to Detroit to host Miami in their third preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 16. The team will be without Norris, who remains in concussion protocol, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who was placed on injured reserve on Thursday with a season-ending shoulder injury. Veteran Leonard Floyd is expected to boost Atlanta's pass rush alongside Walker and Pearce.
Following Morice Norris's seizure-like episode during a preseason NFL game, he has entered the concussion protocol. The Lions' safety is taking a cautious approach to recovery with a 10 to 14-day assessment plan, focusing on sports-analysis to monitor his progress in American-football, specifically after his injury in a football match.
Amidst the concern surrounding Norris's health, Detroit's top two draft picks, Tyleik Williams and Tate Rutledge, made their debuts in the same game, providing an glimmer of hope for Lions fans, as they look forward to the next preseason match against Miami.
