The Dolphins' chances of repeating as AFC East champions just got a whole lot worse.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, quarterback Chad Pennington is out for the season after suffering a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder during Sunday's loss at San Diego. Pennington is currently awaiting a second opinion from renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews. If Pennington needs surgery, it will be his third on the shoulder since 2004. Both have been performed by Andrews.
After Pennington was pulled in the third quarter of Sunday's game, head coach Tony Sparano told reporters he didn't know how long his quarterback would be out. In all likelihood, he will be replaced by Chad Henne, who went 10-for-19 with 92 yards and an interception on Sunday.
Early indications say the Dolphins aren't totally comfortable with putting the season in Henne's hands from here on out. After Sunday's game, tight end Anthony Fasano told ESPN.com, "We're going to have to go out there with Henne, who is a lot less experienced. 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."
The Dolphins are currently 0-3.
