Dolphins lay claim to Norton
The Miami Dolphins have poached former University of Miami standout Kendrick Norton from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
The transaction was made on Tuesday evening according to a league source, and likely requires Miami to keep Norton on its 53-man roster for the remainder of the season.
The Panthers selected Norton, who is 6 foot 3, 314 pounds, in the seventh round of this year’s draft.
Norton, the son of Oakland defensive coordinator Ken Norton, and the grandson of the late former heavyweight champion, Ken Norton Sr., contributed 84 tackles (18 for loss), five sacks, forced one fumble and recovered one fumble during his three seasons on UM’s defensive line.
At this time, it’s unclear how Miami created a roster spot for Norton, but the Dolphins could place tailback Frank Gore on injured reserve because of the left foot injury he suffered in Miami’s 41-17 loss to
the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Defensive tackle happens to be one of Miami’s thinnest positions this season. Akeem Spence and Davon Godchaux have served as the Dolphins’ starters all season, but there have been many backups throughout the year because of injuries and Jordan Phillips’ release. Ziggy Hood and Sylvester Williams
currently serve as Spence and Godchaux’s backups.
This season, the Dolphins defense ranks 30th in total yards allowed per game (402.3), 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (145.2), 31st in net passing yards allowed per game (6.2) and 30th in sacks per passing play.
Miami has recorded just 24 sacks. Only the Oakland Raiders
(12) have fewer.
Defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s unit also ranks 27th in third-down efficiency, allowing a conversion rate of 42.4 percent, and 27th in points allowed per game (26.7).