Introduction to the Incident
ATLANTA (AP) — Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was in stable condition after he was attended to for about 20 minutes and taken off the field in an ambulance Friday night against Atlanta, with the preseason game ending early.
Condition of Morice Norris
“Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities,” the Lions said in a statement. “He will remain at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation. We would like to thank the Atlanta Falcons organization, the EMS team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the doctors and staff at Grady for their support.”
The Incident
Norris was hurt with 14:50 to go trying to tackle running back Nathan Carter. When play resumed, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took a snap and held the ball as players from both teams stood at the line of scrimmage as the clock continued to run.
Game Suspension
Finally, with 6:31 left, an official announced the game had been suspended “per New York” with Detroit up 17-10.
Reaction from the Lions Coach
Lions coach Dan Campbell asked for prayers for the 24-year-old Norris. "We’re just praying for Mo and ask that everybody prays for him,” Campbell said. Campbell said Norris had his mother with him at the hospital.
Description of the Injury
Norris, the former Fresno State player listed as Detroit’s second-team safety, hit Carter with his facemask facing the running back’s midsection, and the defender’s head snapped back after making the hit.
Players’ Reaction
Lions quarterback Kyle Allen said it was immediately obvious the medical personnel saw this as a serious injury. “Usually you see a couple trainers out there,” Allen said. “It’s never good when they bring out the stretchers. We just started praying for him and hoping for the best. When it’s taking that long, with that many people and that many trainers around him, you’re just hoping for the best.” Added Allen: “It’s just awful. … You sign up for football and you understand the risk, you understand the injury risk. You never think something like that is going to happen.
Decision to Not Finish the Game
Campbell and Falcons coach Raheem Morris made the decision to not finish the game. “Raheem Morris is a class act,” Campbell said. “He’s the ultimate class act. We agreed it just didn’t feel right to finish that game.” Morris said it was “common courtesy” for the coaches to decide to not finish the game.
Precedents for Game Suspension
Though the decision to not finish the game seemed dramatic, there were two precedents from preseason games in consecutive weeks in August 2023. New England’s game at Green Bay in Week 2 of the 2023 preseason was called off when Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden was carted off in the fourth quarter. A week later, a game between Miami and Jacksonville was not completed after Dolphins receiver Daewood Davis was carted off in the fourth quarter.
Recent Similar Incidents
The two frightening injuries happened some eight months after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during a regular season game at Cincinnati in January 2023. Hamlin has enjoyed a remarkable recovery and resumed football the following season and spent last year as a Bills starter.
Conclusion
The incident involving Morice Norris is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in playing football. The decision to suspend the game was made out of respect for the injured player and his team, and it highlights the importance of prioritizing player safety above all else.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Morice Norris during the game?
A: Morice Norris was injured while trying to tackle a running back and was taken off the field in an ambulance.
Q: What was the condition of Morice Norris after the injury?
A: Morice Norris was in stable condition and had feeling and movement in all his extremities.
Q: Why was the game suspended?
A: The game was suspended out of respect for the injured player and his team, and because it did not feel right to continue playing after such a serious injury.
Q: Were there any precedents for suspending a game due to injury?
A: Yes, there were two precedents from preseason games in consecutive weeks in August 2023 where games were not completed after players were carted off with injuries.
Q: How have other players recovered from similar injuries?
A: Some players, like Damar Hamlin, have made remarkable recoveries after suffering serious injuries, while others may face longer and more difficult roads to recovery.
