Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered a hopeful update following a concerning moment in Friday night’s preseason clash with the Atlanta Falcons, where safety Morice Norris sustained a serious head injury early in the fourth quarter.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Campbell confirmed that Norris was conscious.
“He’s breathing, he’s talking, and showing some movement,” Campbell said. “They’re running additional tests now.”
Campbell revealed that he and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris mutually agreed to end the contest out of respect for Norris’ condition.
“Raheem’s a class act, one of the best,” Campbell added. “We told the guys to keep him in their prayers. At first, we weren’t even sure he was breathing.”
Norris’ mother accompanied him to the hospital, while some teammates planned to remain there for support. Quarterback Kyle Allen opened his own press remarks by saying the entire squad was “praying for Mo.”
Game Halted in the Fourth Quarter
The Lions were ahead 17–10 when play was stopped with 6:21 left in regulation. The injury occurred when Norris inadvertently took a knee to the helmet from Falcons running back Nathan Carter, a former Michigan State standout. Medical personnel quickly rushed onto the field, and two ambulances entered the stadium. After roughly 21 minutes, Norris was stabilized and transported to a nearby Atlanta hospital.
Following one more snap, players from both sides gathered at midfield in a moment of solidarity before officials officially suspended the game.
Key Performances Before the Incident
Allen was a bright spot for Detroit, completing seven of eight passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Jacob Saylors contributed with a critical fourth-down conversion and set up a short scoring pass to Jackson Meeks. Kicker Jake Bates also connected on a 57-yard field goal, maintaining his reputation for long-range accuracy.
For Atlanta, quarterback Eason Stick opened the game but later gave way to Emory Jones, who had mixed results in his first action. The Falcons struggled on third down throughout the night, going just 1-for-7 before the game’s premature conclusion.
The Lions now turn their attention to their next preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins on August 16.
