DETROIT – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that safety Morice Norris was back with the team and doing well, though he remains in concussion protocol.
Campbell said the team will take it slow with Norris, monitoring him carefully over the next 10 to 14 days before reassessing his progress.
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“Obviously, Mo’s back with us. He’s doing well. It’s good to have him back. He’s good. So obviously, he’s in concussion protocol. We’re going to take it nice and easy here. Make sure you know that he’s good over the next 10 to 14 days and reassess. So, that’s good news.”
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell
Norris was hurt during the fourth quarter of the Lions’ Week 2 preseason matchup vs. the Atlanta Falcons inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday (Aug. 9).
“I’m all good, man,” Norris posted on his Instagram story, sharing a screenshot of a message he received. “Don’t stress it, appreciate all the check-ins and love.”
Additionally, fellow Lions player Terrion Arnold shared on his social media that Norris called him.
“Sometimes we forget how precious life is and everything,” Arnold wrote. “God, thanks for protecting my brother.”
What happened
An ambulance came onto the field immediately and loaded Norris onto the board and strapped him in the ambulance before leaving the field.
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.
The injury was so severe 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.
Campbell explained the decision to let about eight minutes run off the clock, saying he and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris agreed on the move after consulting with league officials.
On the emotional impact of a recent serious injury, Campbell said, “It was great to see him. That’s a breath of fresh air. It’s hard when something like that happens and you don’t know. We’ve all seen guys with concussions, but this was different. It’s tough to block it out.”
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.