The preseason game between the Detroit Lions and host Atlanta Falcons on Friday night was suspended in the fourth quarter after Lions safety Morice Norris Jr. was taken off the field in an ambulance following a hit to the head.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Falcons running Nathan Carter took a handoff and got into the Detroit secondary. As Norris went in for the tackle, Carter’s right knee hit Norris in the head. The second-year player immediately went to the turf and Lions trainers ran into the field.
After being tended to, Norris was put in an ambulance and taken to an area hospital.
On the ensuing play, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took the snap and then walked to the middle of the field, where players from both teams formed a circle and prayed. The clock continued running with no more plays run, and officials eventually called the game.
The Lions won the game 17-10.
Norris appeared in two games for the Lions last year after signing as an undrafted free agent. He was in on one play on defense and 32 plays on special teams.
He played two seasons at Fresno State (2022-23) after spending two seasons in junior college. Norris had 116 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and 17.5 tackles for loss with the Bulldogs.