Detroit Lions players are shown on the field after safety Morice Norris was injured in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Morice Norris, the Lions safety who was taken off by ambulance late in last week’s preseason game, is in concussion protocol and progressing well, coach Dan Campbell confirmed Monday.

“We’re going to move slowly and carefully to ensure he’s fine over the next 10 to 14 days before reevaluating,” Campbell stated. “That’s encouraging news.”

Norris spent Friday night at an Atlanta hospital following the preseason matchup with the Falcons that ended early, then flew back to Detroit on Saturday and was at the Lions’ facility Sunday.

“It was great, everyone was excited to see him. It’s a relief,” Campbell said. “It’s tough when an incident like that occurs and you’re uncertain. I’ve seen many concussions — I’ve had them myself — and you just don’t know. You see they’re breathing, but nothing else is clear. They’re taken away, and it’s just different. You try to push it aside, but it still lingers.”

On Saturday, Norris posted online that he was fine and thanked fans for their well wishes. He was hospitalized in stable condition late Friday after around 20 minutes of on-field medical attention at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The 24-year-old was injured with 14:50 left after colliding with Falcons running back Nathan Carter. His facemask hit Carter’s midsection, and his head whipped back as he completed the tackle.

Players from both teams formed a circle and held hands on the field to show concern and solidarity.

Campbell and Atlanta coach Raheem Morris chose to end the contest early.

“We spoke to (official) Shawn Hochuli, who told us the game was still on. We coordinated with each other and informed Shawn we’d be kneeling,” Campbell said Monday. “He said, ‘I understand.’ That’s how it played out, and then the game was called.”

Norris, who starred at Fresno State, appeared in two regular-season contests and one playoff game as a rookie in 2024 after making the roster as an undrafted free agent. He’s battling for a safety spot with Lauren Strickland and Ian Kennelly, behind All-Pro Kerby Joseph and Pro Bowler Brian Branch.

The Lions and Dolphins will practice jointly Wednesday and Thursday before meeting in a preseason matchup Saturday at Ford Field.