MIAMI — Chad Pennington's season officially ended with
a trade that didn't involve him.
The Miami Dolphins placed Pennington on the
reserve-injured list to create a roster spot for quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who
was acquired Tuesday from the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick.
Pennington hurt his right shoulder Sunday at San Diego,
an injury that leaves his career in jeopardy. At 33, he likely faces a third
operation on the shoulder since 2005.
Thigpen shores up depth behind second-year pro Chad
Henne, who is expected to make his first NFL start Sunday against Buffalo.
Rookie Pat White is the Dolphins' other quarterback.
Thigpen, a third-year pro, went 1-10 as a starter for the
woeful Chiefs last year and threw for 2,608 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12
interceptions. Kansas City acquired Matt Cassel in the offseason, and Thigpen
lost a battle this year with Brodie Croyle for the No. 2 job.
Thigpen is excited about the move to Miami, even though
the Dolphins are 0-3, said his agent, Joel Turner.
"It's not like that team is short on talent — they won
the division last year," Turner said. "It's a wonderful opportunity. Nobody does
it like Bill Parcells. For Bill Parcells to believe in Tyler speaks volumes
about Tyler."
Parcells may have wildcat duty in mind for Thigpen, who
ran a spread offense last year with the Chiefs. At 225 pounds, he's a powerful
runner and the first quarterback in Chiefs history to score a touchdown three
ways: as a passer, rusher and receiver.
Henne is expected to get an extended opportunity as a
starter. Taken in the second round of the 2008 draft, he has been considered
Pennington's heir apparent for more than a year.
The Dolphins will be Thigpen's third organization. He
was a seventh-round draft pick by Minnesota in 2007.