Detroit Lions, Falcons run 8-minute final play to end preseason game after scary injury

Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris (26) is hit in the helmet by Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter (38) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons snapped the ball and stood on the field for eight minutes to end their preseason game after an ambulance had to come remove a player due to a serious injury.

WHAT WE KNOW: Detroit Lions player leaves in ambulance, preseason game ends

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Detroit Lions defender Morice Norris was taken off the field in an ambulance with 14:50 remaining on the clock in the fourth quarter.

Norris stayed down on the field after the first play of the fourth quarter. Replays appeared to show Norris taking a knee to the head during the play.

Trainers immediately brought out the backboard, and players from both teams took a knee on the field.

After several minutes, an ambulance came onto the field to get Norris.

The 24-year-old out of Fresno State played in the final two regular season games for the Lions last year, and also made three total tackles in the playoff game against the Washington Commanders.

Norris had two solo tackles Friday before leaving with injury.

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 left, the referee announced the game was suspended. The final play lasted just over eight minutes.

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