AFC East Report: Dolphins backup defensive tackle Kendrick Norton loses arm in car crash

On early Thursday morning, Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton was involved in a considerable accident: the 22-year-old was in critical condition after suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries in a car crash. According to radio 640 The Hurricane’s Andy Slater, however, paramedics were forced to amputate Norton’s left arm at the scene of the accident — a report that has since been confirmed by his agent.

Norton originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft selection by the Carolina Panthers last year. As a rotational depth defensive tackle, he also played against the New England Patriots during the third week of preseason: Norton was on the field for 16 snaps but did not register any statistics. The Panthers released him during roster cutdowns but signed him to their practice squad shortly afterwards.

The rookie, who played college football at the University of Miami, spent most of his first season as a pro on the Panthers’ practice squad before being added to the Dolphins’ active roster in mid-December. While he did not appear in a game for the club, Norton entered preparations for the 2019 season as a potential depth option for the club. Yesterday’s accident, however, changed all this.

Of course, the past and future of Norton’s football career are a secondary concern at this point. What is most important is that he survived the accident and will recover from the multiple injuries he suffered. Make sure to therefore send positive thoughts, prayers, karma, and the like — this goes far beyond the Patriots-Dolphins rivalry.