Pennington done for the season, possibly career

[o-BacklasH-o]

ESPN reporting Chad Pennington out for year

 

by Brian Biggane

 

Injured Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington has a torn capsule in his right shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season, ESPN reported on its website Monday.

 

Senior NFL analyst Chris Mortenson quoted league sources saying Pennington will seek a second opinion from renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews, who has operated on the same shoulder twice previously, after the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

 

Pennington underwent an MRI on his throwing shoulder Monday morning after leaving Sunday’s game early in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ 23-13 loss at San Diego. Coach Tony Sparano remained optimistic at his press briefing later that morning, insisting that he had ruled anything out and “we’ll wait and see.â€

 

Pennington’s contract expires at the end of the year; there had been no discussions reported on talk of an extension.

 

His absence hands the starting job to backup Chad Henne, who completed 9-of-19 passes for 92 yards Sunday, with one interception being returned 32 yards for a touchdown by Eric Weddle.

 

Rookie Pat White becomes the backup for now, but the Dolphins are likely to seek a veteran for insurance if Henne were to go down. Among those who could contend for that job are Brooks Bollinger, Gus Frerotte and former Dolphins A.J. Feeley and Cleo Lemon.