The Detroit Lions’ preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons ended abruptly Friday night after a frightening injury to safety Morice Norris halted play. With 6:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, the game was suspended after Norris had to be taken off the field in an ambulance.
The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter when Norris attempted to tackle Falcons running back Nathan Carter. The hit left Norris motionless on the turf. Medical staff tended to him for about 20 minutes before he was carted off the field and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Head coach Dan Campbell later confirmed that Norris was conscious, breathing, and had some movement, providing a measure of relief amid the concern.
After the incident, play resumed briefly. Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took a snap and held the ball as players from both teams stood motionless at the line of scrimmage, allowing the clock to run. Minutes later, the game was officially suspended by league officials, with the Lions leading 17-10 at the time.
Roster battles and rookie showcases
Before the injury, the night had been centered on preseason evaluations. For the Lions, it was a critical opportunity for quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen to stake their claims on the backup role behind starter Jared Goff.
Hooker, however, struggled early by losing two fumbles, one on the opening drive and another in the second quarter. That prompted Campbell to bring in Allen earlier than expected.
Allen capitalized on his opportunity, connecting on a 68-yard pass to Jackson Meeks and later throwing an 11-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. The 6-foot-4 Arkansas product used his size to outjump Atlanta defensive back Dee Alford for the score.
On the Falcons’ side, both starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and veteran Kirk Cousins sat out. Easton Stick took advantage of the extra snaps, completing 15 of 18 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, making a strong case for the No. 3 quarterback job. Emory Jones handled second-half duties.
Several high-profile rookies were also in action. Falcons edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., both first-round picks, made their preseason debuts, joining veteran Leonard Floyd in revamping a pass rush that ranked 31st in the league last season. Detroit’s top picks, defensive lineman Tyleik Williams and right guard Tate Rutledge, also logged valuable snaps.
With second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. already on injured reserve, Norris’s injury further challenges Detroit’s defensive depth. The game, meant as a tune-up, instead became a sobering reminder of the physical toll of the sport even before the season begins.
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