Late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s preseason game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons, safety Morice Norris suffered a frightening injury. With 14:50 left on the clock, Norris tackled running back Nathan Carter, leading with his facemask into Carter’s midsection. The force caused Norris’ head to snap backward, and he remained on the field as medical personnel rushed in.
Game Halted After Norris Injury as Quick Recovery Brings Relief to Teams
Medical staff attended to Norris for about 20 minutes before placing him on a stretcher and transporting him to a nearby Atlanta hospital. As the scene unfolded, players from both teams joined hands and bowed in prayer. Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris ultimately decided not to resume play, ending the preseason contest early.
Morice Norris Suffers Scary Injury in Lions Preseason Game but Quickly Returns to TeamBy late Friday night, Norris was reported to be in stable condition. After overnight observation, he was released from the hospital on Saturday and returned home. By Sunday, he was back at the Lions’ training facility, signaling positive progress in his recovery.
Norris Reassures Supporters and Reflects on Journey from Fresno State to Lions
Norris took to social media the day after the injury to calm concerns, writing, “I’m all good man don’t stress,” and thanking fans, teammates, and friends for their check-ins and support. The 24-year-old’s message reassured many who had feared a more serious outcome.
A Fresno State standout, Norris entered the NFL in 2024 as an undrafted free agent and earned a place on the Lions’ roster. He played in two regular-season games and one playoff contest in his rookie year. His journey from college star to NFL contributor has been marked by determination, making his safe return to the field an encouraging sign for both his career and the Lions.
