With Pennington out, Dolphins get Thigpen

[September 30, 2009]  MIAMI (AP) -- 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.

[Associated Press; By STEVEN WINE]

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