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Detroit Lions confirm DB Morice Norris has movement in all extremities, remains hospitalized overnight

Morice Norris injured in 4th quarter vs. Falcons

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 8: Morice Norris #26 of the Detroit Lions is tended to by medical staff during the fourth quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 8, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) (Todd Kirkland, 2025 Getty Images)

DETROIT – Per the Detroit Lions' official X account, defensive back Morice Norris has been listed in stable condition following his scary on-field injury in the fourth quarter of the Atlanta Falcons’ pre-season Week 2 matchup.

The Lions said on Friday (Aug. 8) that Norris had feeling and movement in all of his extremities and that he would remain at a local hospital for observation.

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.

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.

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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