NFL- Pennington sidelined for the rest of the season

Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season. The player dislocated his right shoulder during last Sunday’s game loss against the San Diego Chargers, 23-13. Pennington was injured during the beginning of the third quarter, missing the rest of the game. At the time, his teammates and coaches were unaware of the extent of the injury. After undergoing a series of tests on Monday with the Chargers’ medical staff, Pennington was diagnosed with a torn capsule on his throwing shoulder that will leave him out of the game for the rest of the season. Pennington is seeking a second opinion, visiting Dr. James Andrews, who suggested surgery to repair the damage. The quarterback will undergo the surgery on Friday. Andrews has performed two should surgeries for Pennington in 2004 and 2005; in both instances, the player suffered from a torn rotator cuff. Repeated injuries have left their marks on Pennington’s career. Despite performing well as a quarterback – with very solid and accurate throws – Pennington has missed time in the last ten years due to shoulder and wrist troubles. Last year he was chosen as NFL comeback player of the year, tying behind Peyton Manning in second place for MVP of the year. Now, however, at age 33, Pennington’s career in the NFL may be at risk; an injury in the second year of a two-year contract does not bode well. The Dolphins placed Pennington on the reserve-injured list in order to make space for another quarterback. Chad Henne, last year’s second-round draft pick, will act as starting quarterback, while Tyler Thigpen – recently acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs – will act as backup. (Thigpen was allegedly traded for a 2010 draft pick.) Rookie Patt White will be the third quarterback. Henne is expected to start for the first time at home on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. He had a decent performance on Sunday after replacing Pennington, although he very much lacks Pennington’s experience. If he hopes to perform well, he will have to develop chemistry with the offense. “We’re going to have to go out there with Henne, who is a lot less experienced,” Anthony Fasano, Dolphins tight end, lamented. “There is definitely going to be a learning curve for Henne. He can learn as much as he wants in a classroom, but until he’s out on the field, in-game experience he’s not going to learn.” Thigben, a third year pro, went 1-10 as a starter for the Kansas City Chiefs last year after both Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard were sidelined for the season with injuries. He threw for 2,608 yards, made 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Thigpen expressed his excitement about moving to Miami, stating that the Dolphins were a talented team. And at 225 pounds, Thigpen is a strong runner and the first quarterback in Chiefs history to score touchdowns as a passer, rusher, and receiver.