THE ASSOSICIATED PRESS
DAVIE - Chad Pennington may not be available to give his winless team a much-needed lift.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback dislocated his right shoulder and may seek a second opinion to determine how long he'll be sidelined, a person familiar with his status said Monday.
The person insisted on anonymity because the Dolphins have said little about the injury. Teammates braced for a new quarterback, with backup Chad Henne expected to make his first NFL start in Sunday's home game against Buffalo.
Other media outlets reported Pennington had a torn capsule and was likely to miss the rest of the season.
"We don't have a comment, because the evaluation process is still ongoing," team spokesman Harvey Greene said.
Pennington hurt his shoulder Sunday in a 23-13 loss at San Diego, and he underwent tests Monday to determine the extent of the damage. An operation on the shoulder would be Pennington's third since 2005.
The quarterback shakeup comes with the Dolphins already reeling. They're 0-3 after Pennington led an improbable run to the AFC East title last season.
Henne, a second-round draft choice in 2008, has been considered Pennington's heir apparent for more than a year.
"We're going to have to go out there with Henne, who is a lot less experienced," tight end Anthony Fasano said. "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.
"But we have a lot of faith in Chad. He's a smart guy, a great leader and fun to play with. We're just going to have to move on."
Pennington had surgery on the same shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff twice in 2005. Coach Tony Sparano said he didn't know how long Pennington would be sidelined.
"I can't rule anything out," Sparano said. "I really don't know the details. … We're trying to gather a little bit more information."
The most accurate passer in NFL history, Pennington is in the final year of a two-year contract, and a serious injury could leave his career in jeopardy at age 33.
The score was 3-all when Pennington was hurt early in the third quarter. He missed the rest of the game, and Henne went 10 for 19 for 92 yards. He led the Dolphins to 10 points but threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
The challenge for the offense will be to develop a chemistry with Henne, receiver Greg Camarillo said.
"Chad (Pennington) is our leader," Camarillo said. "Any injury to him is an injury to our offense. But it's also an opportunity for Henne to step up. We've got faith in his quarterbacking abilities. It's time for him to show it off."
Pennington was hurt on a hit by linebacker Kevin Burnett as he threw a pass. The injury appeared to occur with the contact, which caught Pennington in an awkward position, rather than when he hit the ground, Sparano said.
"Kind of a weird-looking deal," Sparano said.
