ATLANTA — One week after a collision he was involved in caused a game-ending injury, Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Nathan Carter said knowing that the Lions' Morice Norris was doing better made it easier for him to take the field Friday night and carry the ball without being tentative.
The result was a breakout performance.
Carter had 63 yards on nine carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run, Friday night in the team's 23-20 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. When Carter broke loose for the big gain, his teammates and fellow running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier exploded with glee on the sideline.
The mood was considerably different Aug. 8 in the Falcons' first preseason game against the Detroit Lions. In the fourth quarter, Carter took a carry and attempted to hurdle over the cornerback. Carter's knee ended up connecting with Norris' helmet, snapping Norris' head back.
Norris was down on the field for about 20 minutes while being tended to by trainers. Eventually, an ambulance drove onto the field and then transported Norris to a local hospital. Falcons coach Raheem Morris and Lions coach Dan Campbell agreed to suspend the game, and both teams gathered on the field for a prayer.
Norris was moving and talking that night at the hospital and he rejoined the Lions earlier this week. He is in concussion protocol, but Campbell told reporters that overall «he's doing well.»
Carter said he reached out to Norris via Instagram direct message earlier this week to check on him and wish him well. Carter said Norris was in «high spirits» when they chatted.
«He's doing well and that gives me a lot of encouragement,» Carter said Friday night after the game. «I think the biggest thing was
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