The Atlanta Falcons week one action was cut short Friday night after the game was suspended due to injury. Atlanta’s team reporter recapped the stoppage on the team’s website:
“Friday’s preseason game between the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions ended prematurely after Lions safety Morice Norris was driven off the field at in an ambulance due to an injury sustained during the fourth quarter,” Terrin Waack writes. “There was 14:50 left in regulation. Both teams remained at midfield inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium until the game was officially suspended with 6:19 left on the clock.”
The game was not initially suspended, however following the injury it appears as though both team’s made an agreement to run out the clock. They stood in a huddle around the football, 22 players from both teams in a full circle with their hands over each other’s shoulders in a powerful image.
No injury update is available at this time, but all players and coaches alike were visibly very shaken by what appeared to be a very serious head injury.
Morice Norris is currently in the hospital.
Raheem Morris Speaks On Decision To End Game
As Falcons’ head coach Raheem Morris was working his way to the locker room after the game, he was stopped in his tracks by the sideline reporter who asked the coach about the decision to end the game.
“It was tough to watch, it was tough for the other team to see… getting a teammate hurt that way,” Morris said solemnly. “I thought it was the right thing to do, for Dan and his crew and his team.”
Morris told the reporter that he didn’t have any additional information on the injury. The reporter pointed out what the viewer could see, asking the coach who was clearly emotional about the incident to elaborate on what he was feeling.
“I mean obviously,” Morris said in response. “That was a tough deal for those guys, tough deal for us. Tough deal for their players, tough deal for our players. Tough deal all around.”
He then elaborated on the decision to call the game. The Falcons had the ball when the injury occurred. The very next play, the quarterback kneeled the ball on second down, seemingly signifying that Atlanta no longer was interested in completing this contest.
“No we just thought it was common courtesy,” Morris said when asked if it was Dan Campbell’s decision. “We were out there together and… didn’t like the look of it, that’s all.”
Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell Addresses Media
Just minutes ago Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media. Campbell was emotional, fighting back tears as he provided an update on the young player.
“He’s at the hospital, and I’ll have to just leave it at that,” Campbell said, struggling to get the words out. “Something like that happens it puts things into perspective. Just praying for Mo, everybody’s praying for him.”
In response to a follow up question Campbell was able to alleviate at least a little of fan’s worst fears.
“He’s breathing okay, he’s talking,” Campbell said. “He’s got some movement and now they’re running more tests.”
Falcons’ Game Suspended After Player Leaves In Ambulance