Robinson, Browne and Boyle returned to the starting line up but thsi did not prevent Preston's heaviest home defeat since Boxing Day and their third in a row in what has been a disastrous April.
The game strted off badly when Cunningham was tackled high up the pitch. The referee waved play on and the left back tried to run back. He was later stretchered off and a confirmed leg fracture was the diagnosis after the game confirming the end to his season.
Norwich took the lead just before half an hour. Dorrans was allowed time and space to have a shot from outside the box. He managed to drill home past Maxwell.
Preston never recovered and were two down before the break. Murphy was left unmarked at a free kick. He was allowed acres of space to fire home and double Preston's lead.
Tommy Spurr, who replaced Cunningham, pulled a goal back when he headed home from a curling free kick but as Preston tried to press for an equaliser Norwich hit them on the break with Maddison finishing a move from the visitors.
Preston have nothing but pride to play for heading to Newcastle next Monday. The team appears to be playing well below par and the absentees show that North End have relatively little quality in depth when players are out.This will have to be addressed in the summer.