Lions-Falcons NFL preseason game ended prematurely after serious injury to Morice Norris

The preseason matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions was cut short Friday night after Lions safety Morice Norris was injured in the fourth quarter and taken off the field in an ambulance.

Norris sustained the injury with 14:50 remaining while attempting to tackle Nathan Carter. Players from both teams gathered at midfield inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium as medical staff attended to Norris.

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While attempting to tackle Falcons running back Nathan Carter, Norris took a knee to the head and immediately collapsed to the turf, appearing unconscious. Falcons medical staff rushed onto the field within moments, with the Lions’ trainers joining soon after.


After receiving on-field treatment from both teams’ medical crews, Norris was placed on a stretcher, loaded into a waiting ambulance, and transported from the stadium.


When play briefly resumed, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took the snap but held the ball as players from both sides stood motionless at the line of scrimmage, allowing the clock to run. The Lions were ahead 17-10 when the game was ultimately stopped.


The game remained paused for several minutes before officials suspended play entirely with 6:19 left on the clock.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell later provided a positive update on Norris after his frightening injury.

Following the game’s suspension, Campbell told reporters that Norris is fine though additional tests are still being conducted.

"He’s breathing, he’s talking... he’s got some movement, and now, they’re running some tests,” Campbell said.

The Lions also confirmed that Norris was transported to a local hospital 'for further evaluation'.


The Lions will return home to host the Miami Dolphins in their third preseason matchup on Saturday, August 16. The Falcons, meanwhile, remain in Atlanta for another home game next Friday against the Tennessee Titans, following a week of joint practices with the Titans at their training complex.

Norris, 24, entered the NFL with the Lions in 2024 as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State. He spent part of the year on Detroit’s practice squad before earning a spot on the active roster, appearing in two games. The Lions re-signed him to the practice squad in January.