Detroit Lions Defeat Atlanta Falcons 17-10 in Preseason Game Cut Short by Injury

Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris (26) is hit in the helmet by Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter during Friday's NFL preseason game. (Brynn Anderson/The Associated Press)

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	Lions player Morice Norris Jr. had been injured while attempting to tackle Falcons running back Nathan Carter. Credit : AP Photo/Paul Sancya
	Detroit Lions Defeat Atlanta Falcons 17-10 in Preseason Game Cut Short by Injury Justin Tyme - Sports Tell Us Detroit News DETROIT - The Detroit Lions defeated the Atlanta Falcons 17-10 in a preseason matchup on Thursday, August 8th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, but the victory was overshadowed by a serious injury that brought the game to an early end. The game came to a halt for several minutes when Lions reserve safety Morice Norris suffered an injury during a tackle attempt and required serious medical attention, including being strapped to backboard and taken off on a ambulance on the field. When play returned, both teams opted to just run out the rest of the clock, until officials announced the game as suspended. The entire fourth quarter was forfeited, with the Lions leading at the time of suspension. The biggest storyline from the actual game play was the ongoing quarterback competition behind starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker had the opportunity to start the game, and while he was able to move the ball better than in the preseason opener, he turned the ball over twice with two fumbles. Kyle Allen eventually came in late in the first half, and proceeded to move the ball well. He finished the night 7-of-8 for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Allen's performance included a spectacular 68-yard pass to Jackson Meeks and two touchdown passes. The Falcons struck first with a 57-yard field goal in the opening quarter. Allen entered the game in the second quarter and immediately made an impact, finding rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa for an 11-yard touchdown to give Detroit a 7-3 lead. Atlanta responded before halftime with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Easton Stick to Chris Blair, taking a 10-7 lead into the break. In the third quarter, Lions kicker Jake Bates connected on a 57-yard field goal to tie the game 10-10. Allen then connected with Jackson Meeks for the go-ahead touchdown with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter, putting Detroit up 17-10. The Lions' defense performed well throughout the game, with standout plays from Al-Quadin Muhammad, Grant Stuard, and Nick Whiteside helping contain the Falcons' offense. The injury to Norris cast a somber tone over what had been a competitive preseason contest, with both teams prioritizing the player's wellbeing over completing the game.