Joint practices represent the first time the Detroit Lions players can hit someone in another uniform. For an undrafted rookie like Morice Norris, that presents an opportunity to make a splash.
Norris, a defensive back from Fresno State, did just that in Detroit’s first joint practice session in New York against the Giants. He lowered the boom on Giants running back Eric Gray, sending Gray’s helmet flying.
This hit by Norris led to one of several post-whistle incidents between the two teams. There were at least 10 skirmishes by reports from several media members on both sides in attendance.
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Eric Gray gets popped by Morice Norris. Helmet flies off. Kind of dirty in a practice setting. #giants #lions pic.twitter.com/gRlXg2vfRH
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 5, 2024
Norris is already having a strong training camp with his physical style of coverage and impressive man cover skills. A statement play like this can’t hurt his chances to at least stick around on Detroit’s practice squad, even if it’s also a potential penalty in an actual game.