The matchup between the Detroit and Atlanta on August 8 was abruptly halted in the fourth quarter after a serious injury to Morice Norris, with the Falcons’ Raheem Morris confirming he and Dan Campbell’s Lions agreed to end the game early.
With 14:50 remaining in the game, the Lions‘ safety was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance following a tackle and both coaches agreed to cease competitive play out of respect for Norris and his family.
“Just Dan and myself, respect for his family, Morice Norris, it was that simple,” Morris said. “There’s not a lot of times that happens. I can’t sit here and tell you I’ve been through a lot of those or seen a lot of those.
“I don’t think any of us have. That was the moment decision and it was the right thing to do for our football team and the Lions‘ football team with what happened tonight.”
The unusual scene unfolded with both teams taking one snap with 14:31 left in the fourth quarter, as instead of playing, the players from both teams stood together on the field, allowing the clock to run down.
After the clock reached 6:31 remaining, an official announced the game had been suspended “per New York,” referring to a directive from the league office, ending the match early.
Morris clarified that league approval was not a consideration at the time of the decision.
“I don’t know. That wasn’t in my thought right now,” Morris added. “The thought process for both of us was about Morice Norris and his family.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
Given the severity of the injury, it’s unlikely the league would object to the choice to halt the game, especially in a preseason context so there should be no retrospective action on the way.
How was Morice Norris injured vs Atlanta Falcons?
Norris was injured while attempting to tackle the Falcons‘ running back, Nathan Carter, with just under 15 minutes left in the fourth quarter but it went wrong and left him badly hurt.
It led to a lengthy on-field medical evaluation lasting approximately 20 minutes, before he was placed on a stretcher and transported off the field by ambulance. At the time the game was stopped, Detroit led 17-10.
The injury visibly affected the players’ emotions but fortunately, the Lions later reported that Norris was stable and moving all extremities, providing some relief to fans and teammates.
The injury overshadowed several notable performances in the game as the Lions‘ quarterback, Hendon Hooker, struggled, losing two fumbles in his shortened appearance.
On the Falcons side, Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins did not play as Emory Jones took snaps in the second half, while Easton Stick impressed in relief of Penix, completing 15 of 18 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown.
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