Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris was taken off the field in an ambulance after a serious head injury during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter, and both teams chose to let the clock run down before officials suspended the game with 6:31 left.
Fortunately, the Lions later reported that Norris was stable and had feeling and movement in all his extremities. He was taken to a hospital in Atlanta for further evaluation.
The injury happened when Norris tackled Falcons running back Nathan Carter, possibly hitting his head on Carter’s leg. Medical staff attended to Norris on the field for about 20 minutes before transporting him. They used a backboard and neck brace to stabilize him.
As Norris was being taken away, Lions coach Dan Campbell gathered the team. Players from both teams stood together, heads bowed, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Afterward, Falcons coach Raheem Morris mentioned that ending the game was a mutual decision. He emphasized the importance of showing respect and concern during such incidents.
“It was common ground, common courtesy,” Morris said. “Didn’t like the look of [the injury]. I thought that was the right thing to do.”
Campbell also shared his concerns and prayers for Norris, highlighting how injuries can shift our perspective on the game.
This incident underscores growing concerns about player safety in the NFL. A recent study found that head injuries in football can lead to long-term brain damage, raising questions about how leagues manage player health. The NFL has instituted numerous protocols to address head injuries, but incidents like this remind us that more can always be done.
Norris is in his second season with the Lions, having joined the team as an undrafted free agent from Fresno State. He played in two games in his rookie season, and the team hopes for a swift recovery.
As the league continues to evolve, this incident serves as a reminder of the human side of sports. While fans celebrate wins and losses, the health and safety of players must always come first.
Source link
Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Morice Norris, The Lions, Dan Campbell, Jennifer Hammond, Norris, stable condition, head injury, Nathan Carter
