It is official even though we had anticipated this, as the Miami Dolphins have placed injured quarterback Chad Pennington on the Injured Reserve List to make a roster spot for another quarterback.
That quarterback is Tyler Thigpen that was just traded to Miami by the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick in 2010.
Without knowing what would happen to Pennington and since the Dolphins do not have an experience starter or quarter left on the roster, the smarter move was to trade for a quality backup and maybe Thigpen was not their best option, it an option they needed and was made easy due to the relationship between Dolphins honcho Bills Parcells and Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
Pioli is Parcells son-in-law so a direct phone call was not difficult at all since the Dolphins were in dire need of help at that position.
Without Pennington, Dolphins options at quarterback, before trading for Thigpen, was Chad Henne and rookie Pat White. The next question is will Thigpen step into the starting role immediately?
Pennington who dislocated his right shoulder in the Dolphins 23-13 loss to the San Diego Chargers is also expected to seek a second opinion from orthopedic specialist and renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Dr. Andrews, who will examine Pennington’s right shoulder, the same one that he [Dr. Andrews] had operated on twice in 2004 and 2005, will give his assessment and probably then Pennington will inform the team of his decision.
Pennington’s appointment with Dr. Andrews is scheduled for Friday and with Thigpen now in Miami, the Dolphins can take their finger off the panic button for a moment.
Thigpen, a third-year quarterback, is not a stranger to taking over starting spots or filling in when necessary. When Kansas City lost Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle to season-ending injuries last season, Thigpen stepped in and started 11 games for the Chiefs throwing 18 touchdowns along with his 2,608 passing yards and 12 interceptions.
The Dolphins might start Henne this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but should we expect Thigpen to fight for the starter position going forward, or his starting status on the team inevitable once Henne fails to meet expectations?
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