The Detroit Lions’ NFL preseason matchup with the Atlanta Falcons got here to an abrupt and emotional finish on Friday evening after security Morice Norris was taken off the sector in an ambulance following a critical damage.
The incident occurred with 14:50 left within the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as Norris tried to carry down Falcons rookie operating again Nathan Carter.
The 24-year-old defender went to the turf and remained there as medical workers rapidly rushed to his assist.
Norris acquired on-field therapy for round 20 minutes earlier than being positioned on a stretcher and punctiliously loaded into an ambulance. He was transported to Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital for additional analysis.
The Lions later confirmed Norris was in secure situation and had “feeling and motion in all his extremities,” offering a measure of aid for teammates and followers.
On the time of the damage, Detroit held a 17-10 lead. With 6:31 remaining, Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris mutually agreed to finish the competition early.
“Raheem is the last word class act,” Campbell stated. “We agreed it simply didn’t really feel proper to complete that sport. It’s an eye-opener. It hits somewhat completely different and places issues in perspective. The silver lining is the brotherhood — seeing each groups come collectively and take into consideration one other participant means rather a lot.”
The choice was met with help from gamers on each sidelines. Lions quarterback Kyle Allen stated it was clear from the second trainers referred to as for a stretcher that the scenario was critical.
“Often you see a few trainers on the market. It’s by no means good after they carry out the stretchers,” Allen stated.
“We simply began praying for him and hoping for one of the best. When it’s taking that lengthy and there are that many individuals round him, you simply comprehend it’s not price it to maintain taking part in.”
Falcons large receiver Casey Washington echoed these emotions. “That’s any individual’s life, and that’s greater than soccer,” he stated.
The Lions are anticipated to offer additional updates on Norris’s situation within the coming days as they put together for his or her subsequent preseason outing.
