The Lions shared an update later that night, that Norris was in stable condition and had feeling and movement in all his extremities.
Carter reached out to Norris on Instagram, and the two eventually talked. That conversation gave Atlanta’s running back the strength and reassurance he needed to return to the playing field Friday night against the Titans without any hesitation.
“I really feel at peace,” Carter said. “I think the biggest thing with that is the fact that he was all right and that he was doing good.
“Also, just being able to understand that it was a football play and that at the end of the day, my performance relies not on me trying to perform for other but me doing it for the Lord. So, I was really honing in on my faith and helping that be my peace today. I’m just grateful God was able to be glorified through my performance and I was able to do what I was able to do.”
The Falcons totaled 115 rushing yards versus the Titans after gaining 82 yards in the second half, primarily powered by Carter’s touchdown.
Atlanta has one more preseason game left next Friday against the Dallas Cowboys. The NFL’s 53-man roster deadline is Aug. 26.
Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are the Falcons’ starting running backs. Carlos Washington Jr. is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, so there’s an opening for a possible third back. Carter, Elijah Dotson and Jashaun Corbin are all eyeing it.
Carter knows the best he can do in the meantime is take advantage of every opportunity presented his way.
“He’s one of those young players that’s just fighting for a spot on this roster,” Morris said. “He shows up every single week and shows why he should be on it.”