Preseason Clash Between Lions and Falcons Halted Following Injury to Safety Morice Norris
The Detroit Lions faced the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game Friday night, but the contest was abruptly halted due to a significant injury to Lions safety Morice Norris Jr.
With 14:50 remaining in the game, Norris sustained a head and neck injury while attempting to tackle Falcons running back Nathan Carter. Medical personnel quickly attended to him, and he was transported off the field in an ambulance. Following this incident, players from both teams allowed the clock to run down to 6:30 before officials declared the game suspended.
At the time of suspension, the Lions were leading the Falcons 17-10.
Later that evening, the Lions provided an update indicating that Norris had been taken to a local hospital for further assessment. Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media postgame, confirming that Norris was breathing and able to communicate.
"When something like this occurs, it really puts everything into perspective. We're all praying for Mo. I encourage everyone to keep him in their thoughts," Campbell stated. "He has some movement, and they are conducting additional tests."
Campbell also mentioned that he and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris mutually decided to suspend the game rather than continue under the circumstances.
In a less favorable turn for Detroit, quarterback Hendon Hooker struggled during his start, losing two fumbles which limited his playing time and jeopardized his chances of securing the backup quarterback position. Kyle Allen stepped in and threw two touchdown passes, showcasing his potential.
Hooker was anticipated to play the entire first half but faltered early, losing a fumble on Detroit's opening drive and another in the second quarter. This prompted Campbell to switch to Allen.
Allen quickly made an impact, connecting on a 68-yard pass to Jackson Meeks before delivering an 11-yard touchdown pass to rookie Isaac TeSlaa, who utilized his height advantage to outjump Atlanta's Dee Alford for the catch.
The Falcons opted to rest their starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and backup Kirk Cousins for this matchup. Easton Stick took advantage of the opportunity, completing 15 of 18 passes for 159 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Chris Blair just before halftime.
Emory Jones took over quarterback duties for Atlanta in the second half.
Looking ahead, Detroit will host its third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 16, while Atlanta prepares for a home game against the Tennessee Titans on August 15.
