The preseason game between the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was suspended in the fourth quarter after Lions safety Morice Norris was injured and taken off the field by ambulance. The game ended with 6:19 left on the clock, and the final score stood at 17-10 in favor of Detroit.
Before the incident, the Falcons had chosen not to play most of their starters, including quarterback Michael Penix Jr., giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate other players. Some, like defensive lineman Zach Harrison, edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, and wide receiver Casey Washington, participated despite recent first-team reps in practice. Head coach Raheem Morris previously indicated those sessions were for starters.
Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. drew attention from Detroit’s offense throughout the game. Whenever he lined up outside, the Lions assigned multiple blockers or ran plays away from him. This suggests that opponents are already treating Atlanta’s first-round pick as a significant threat.
A key moment came in the second quarter when Arnold Ebiketie sacked Detroit quarterback Hendon Hooker and forced a fumble that was recovered by Ta’Quon Graham. The play highlighted Atlanta’s focus this offseason on pressuring quarterbacks and creating turnovers.
On defense, DeMarcco Hellams made several notable plays early in the game while starting alongside veteran Jordan Fuller. Hellams tackled tight end Shane Zylstra immediately after a catch and later stopped Hooker on a long run. He also delivered a hard hit on running back Craig Reynolds that drew offsetting penalties for unnecessary roughness and offensive pass interference.
Quarterback Easton Stick led Atlanta’s offense during the first half, completing 15 of 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. He connected with six different receivers; his main target was Dylan Drummond, who caught eight passes for 62 yards. Stick threw a 13-yard touchdown to Chris Blair before halftime.
Rookie kicker Lenny Krieg made a 57-yard field goal in the first quarter but missed from 53 yards later in the game. No injuries were reported among Falcons players during the contest.
Several regulars did not dress for Friday’s matchup due to coaching decisions or injuries, including ILB Divine Deablo, WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder), S Jessie Bates III, WR Drake London, K Younghoe Koo, RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts Sr., QB Michael Penix Jr., CB Mike Hughes, CB Clark Phillips III, CB AJ Terrell Jr., RB Tyler Allgeier, RB Carlos Washington Jr., WR Ray-Ray McCloud III, CB Keith Taylor, ILB Troy Andersen, ILB Kaden Elliss, ED Leonard Floyd, OL Chris Lindstrom, OL Ryan Neuzil, OL Matthew Bergeron, OL Jake Matthews, OL Kaleb McGary, OL Storm Norton, TE Charlie Woerner and DL David Onyemata.
As expected based on prior announcements from team staff earlier in the week, neither Michael Penix Jr. nor backup Kirk Cousins played Friday night; most other starters remained sidelined as well. Rookies took part as planned.
Competition continues among safeties vying to start opposite Jessie Bates III; Jordan Fuller (signed in free agency), third-round draft pick Xavier Watts and DeMarcco Hellams all saw playing time against Detroit.
With Darnell Mooney still recovering from injury sustained earlier in camp, opportunities remain open at wide receiver behind starters Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud III. Chris Blair caught Atlanta’s only touchdown reception Friday night.
Looking ahead: The Falcons’ next open practice is scheduled for Monday at IBM Performance Field. They will hold joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday and Wednesday before facing them again next Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7 p.m ET.
