Miami Dolphins Waive Injured Kendrick Norton

The Miami Dolphins have waived injured Kendrick Norton. However, they also plan to pay his salary.

On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins announced that they have waived defensive tackle Kendrick Norton. Norton had his left arm amputated following a car crash near Miami earlier this month. This with a non-football injury designation.

By placing the 22-year-old Norton on the reserve/non-football injury list, the team is able to pay his full salary. Similar to what the Pittsburgh Steelers did for linebacker Ryan Shazier after he suffered a spine injury in 2017. The team also announced that all of Norton’s medical bills will be covered by the NFL’s and Dolphins’ insurance policies. Tough break for a rising young star.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Norton’s Ford F-250 crashed into a concrete barrier on State Road 836 in the early hours of July 4.

The report also stated that drugs or alcohol were not suspected as a factor for either of the drivers involved in the accident. The former University of Miami player underwent at least six surgeries before he was released from the hospital last week.

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“I just want to give a big thank-you. First of all, to God for me still being here. Second of all, to Jackson Medical Center. They did a great job. They took great care of me while I was in here,” Norton told reporters outside the hospital. “Next, I would like to thank the Miami Dolphins family. They’ve been crazy with how much help they’ve been willing to give and, you know, they really didn’t have to.”

Norton, who confirmed that his playing career is over after the accident, is hoping to get a prosthetic arm as he transitions to life after football. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Also, was signed off the Panthers’ practice squad by the Dolphins.

Before his injury, Norton was expected to compete for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.