The Detroit Lions have provided an update on rookie safety Morice Norris after he suffered a frightening injury in Friday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Norris went down after a scary hit to the head and neck area with 14:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, prompting teams to agree to suspend the game. Players from both teams gathered on the field as the clock ran down.
Norris was immobilized and taken off the field in an ambulance. The Lions announced a brief update minutes later saying he was being evaluated, and the head coach later shared more positive news.
“Lions DB Morice Norris has been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation,” the team wrote.
Dan Campbell Shares Hospital Update on Morice Norris
Speaking to reporters after the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell had some good news on Norris from the hospital where he was taken.
“Dan Campbell said that Morice Norris is breathing, talking and had some movement which is positive,” shared reporter Jennifer Hammond on X.
There had initially been fears that Norris could have suffered a serious neck injury. Others found the scene reminiscent of the injury to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest in a 2023 game after taking a hard hit to the chest against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Norris had been competing for a spot on the final roster, with The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy predicting that the final safety position would come down to him or Loren Strickland.
“The fourth safety spot, if the Lions choose to roster one, will have to be someone who can contribute on special teams,” Pouncy wrote. “Strickland made the roster that way a year ago and started at safety in the preseason game, so weâll give him the nod for now. I think Norris gives them a bit more defensively, though.”
Campbell said the rookie is a “class act,” saying it didn’t feel right to finish the game and that both teams decided to allow the clock to run out.
“When something like that happens it puts things in perspective,” said Campbell, who was overcome with emotion at times during his press conference.
Fans, Players Share Love for Morice Norris
After the injury, many fans and players took to social media to offer heartfelt messages for the rookie defensive back.
“Prayers up for Morice Norris,” wrote former NFL quarterback turned commentator Robert Griffin III. “Taken away in an ambulance after a hit to the head. The players got together at midfield and let the clock run out as they prayed for Norris.”
The Falcons also shared a message for Norris and his family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Morice Norris, his family, and the Lions organization,” the team wrote in a post on X.
While the Lions and Falcons agreed to run out the clock on Friday’s game, Detroit may not lose an advantage in evaluating players for the final roster. The team has an extra preseason game this year thanks to being picked to play in last week’s Hall of Fame Game.
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