Chad Pennington Out For the Season

Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington will miss the rest of the 2009 season with a dislocation and torn capsule in his throwing shoulder. Uggh. Chad hurt his shoulder early in the third quarter of yesterday’s 23-13 loss to San Diego. He’ll seek a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews, but according to the team, his season is over. And if he does have surgery, it will be the third operation on his 33-year-old shoulder. Which, translated, means his career could very well be over. Chad’s had enough knocks on his arm strength. This won’t help matters.

Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins / Image: Zuma Press

This is a major loss for the Dolphins because Chad was instrumental—some would even say the most important element—in helping the Dolphins improve from a 1-15 team in 2007 to a playoff team last year. He was chosen as the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year last season and he tied for second behind Peyton Manning in the league’s MVP voting.

In Chad’s absence, an opportunity arises for another Chad—Henne, the quarterback the Dolphins picked after passing on Matt Ryan two years ago. This was eventually going to be his job, but as with most young QBs just getting their first opportunity to be a starter, he’ll have his share of growing pains—ala Matthew Stafford in Detroit. His supporting cast will have to adjust from playing with a seasoned veteran to, essentially, working with a rookie as their offensive leader.

Source: NFL.com