DETROIT – Detroit Lions defensive back Morice Norris has been taken to a local hospital after he suffered a scary injury in the fourth quarter of the Atlanta Falcons’ preseason game.
The Lions issued the update on their Twitter account on Friday (Aug. 8).
Lions DB Morice Norris has been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) August 9, 2025
Norris, 24, was tackling Falcons running back Nathan Carter, whose leg struck Norris in the head and caused him to go unconscious.
An ambulance came onto the field immediately and loaded Norris onto the board and strapped him in the ambulance before leaving the field.
No specifics about his injury have been released.
Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris (26) is hit in the helmet by Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter (38) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
After the play, Norris remained on the field for several minutes as players from both sides took a knee, while the trainers rushed out onto the field.
The FOX broadcast showed Norris with his eyes open and blinking before the ambulance left the field.
Medical personnel aid Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris (26) after he was injured against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
The injury was so serious that the game was stopped with six minutes still left to play.
That play led to a game stoppage of around 30 minutes before the game was officially called.
When the teams re-took the field, the Falcons snapped the ball and stood without trying to advance it.
For a few moments, players from both teams held hands in a circle around the football.
With about 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, the referees announced the game was suspended.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke postgame about the health of Norris.
“He (Norris) comes in, works hard, and in year two, looking for the growth, and the kid just wants to get better every day. I don’t even know what else to say, to be honest with you,” said Campbell.
–> Everything Dan Campbell said after Detroit Lions’ Morice Norris leaves game in ambulance
Morice Norris
The Lions originally signed Norris on May 1, 2024, out of Fresno State.
Last season, he appeared in the final two games of the season against the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings.
Norris also made three total tackles for the Lions against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.
Norris is battling for a backup safety spot this preseason.
He had two solo tackles before leaving Friday’s game before getting injured.
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