NFL Pre-season Game Suspended Due to Lions' Norris Being Hospitalized After Terrifying Injury
Lions' Morice Norris Stable After Concussion in Preseason Game
Morice Norris, a player for the Detroit Lions, is currently in concussion protocol following a serious head injury sustained during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on August 8, 2025. The incident occurred at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The injury appeared to be an inadvertent knee to the head during a tackle on Atlanta's Nathan Carter. Norris lay motionless on the ground for several minutes, receiving immediate medical attention from both teams' medical staff.
The contest was officially suspended with 6:19 remaining, with the Lions leading 17-10. Both teams agreed to let the remaining 13 minutes on the clock run out, and the coaches sent players back onto the field, where they stood together in a show of support for Norris at the 50-yard line.
Raheem Morris, the Falcons' coach, described the decision to let the clock run down as an act of respect for Morice Norris, his family, and the Lions. Lions coach Dan Campbell agreed with this sentiment.
Norris was taken off the field in an ambulance and spent the night at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for observation. He has since returned to Detroit and is reported to be doing well. Norris has feeling and movement in all his extremities, which are positive signs.
The Lions are taking a cautious approach, monitoring Norris's recovery over the next 10 to 14 days before reassessing his condition. An emotional Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Norris is breathing, talking, and has some movement. Several Lions players will stay in Atlanta to support Norris during this time.
Norris played in two regular-season games last season, primarily on special teams. He joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and played in the Lions' playoff loss to Washington. Norris was re-signed by the Lions in January.
Raheem Morris was praised by Dan Campbell for his actions during the game. Morris found it tough to talk to his own players after the game, expressing his concern for Norris and the gravity of the situation.
[1] AFP. (2025, August 10). Lions' Morice Norris returns to Detroit after head injury. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/206
[2] AFP. (2025, August 9). Lions-Falcons game suspended after Morice Norris injury. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/205
[3] AFP. (2025, August 9). Morice Norris regains consciousness after head injury. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/204
[4] AFP. (2025, August 9). Lions' Morice Norris in stable condition after head injury. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/203
[5] AFP. (2025, August 10). Lions taking cautious approach with Morice Norris's recovery. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/207
[1] Despite the unfortunate incident involving Morice Norris during a NFL game, American football – specifically football played by the Detroit Lions – continues to be a spectacle of sport.
[2] Morice Norris's injury last season wasn't limited to football; it also involved a tackle in an NFL game, signifying his participation in the more traditional form of American football.
