Minnesota Vikings promote Storm Norton, waive David Parry
By Chris Schad
The activation of Storm Norton from the practice squad could mean bad news on the availability of Riley Reiff as the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the New Orleans Saints.
With four starters already ruled out for the Minnesota Vikings showdown with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night, the Vikings’ injury report has been stuffed to the margins this week. In addition to Anthony Barr (hamstring), Dalvin Cook (hamstring), Tom Compton (knee) and Andrew Sendejo (knee) there are two more starters that have their status up in the air prior to kickoff.
On Saturday afternoon, the Vikings may have given the public some tea leaves to read as they activated tackle Storm Norton from the practice squad. In turn, the Vikings waived defensive tackle David Party to make room for the rookie out of Toledo on the active roster.
It may look like an insignificant move at first glance, but it also may tip the status of Riley Reiff. The Vikings starting left tackle is currently doubtful to play with a foot injury and hasn’t suited up since a Week 4 loss at the Los Angeles Rams.
Although Reiff got in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, he did not practice on Friday prior to this move. Reiff has been ineffective while struggling with the foot injury, but his loss still stings with the Vikings going up against a defensive line that contains Sheldon Rankins, Cameron Jordan, and the emerging Alex Okafor.
Norton will likely provide depth to a unit that is already down Compton and presumably won’t have Reiff’s services. Parry became the casualty once Linval Joseph took part in limited practice all week and Everson Griffen was expected to make his return to the lineup on Sunday afternoon.
Next. Vikings 7-round 2019 mock draft. dark
The Vikings will still not be out of the woods for Sunday night as they’re still awaiting the status of Xavier Rhodes, who sprained his ankle last week against the New York Jets. If Rhodes can’t go, it will likely be Holton Hill tasked with the challenge of defending all-pro wideout Michael Thomas.