Henne Might Be Available Against Bears
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) - Chad Pennington's latest shoulder injury is ``long-term,'' but Chad Henne might be available for Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Monday.
Third-string quarterback Tyler Thigpen is the most likely starter against the Bears after finishing Sunday's victory over Tennessee when injuries sidelined Miami's top two quarterbacks.he Dolphins gave at least two free-agent QBs a tryout Monday, and the team was expected to sign a roster replacement for Pennington. On his first play of the season against the Titans, Pennington re-injured his right shoulder, which has undergone surgery three times.
Injury issues weren't limited to quarterback. Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long hurt his shoulder, and his availability was uncertain. Like Long, AFC sack leader Cameron Wake (hip) and safety Chris Clemons (groin) finished Sunday's game on the bench.
``We have a lot of guys bumped up right now,'' Sparano said. ``We're sorting through it all.''
As Sparano spoke, Henne was in the training room being treated for a left knee injury that sidelined him in the third quarter.
Turnaround time is brief for the Dolphins (5-4), with only a single practice - on Tuesday - between games. That makes it less likely Henne will be able to recover enough to start, but Sparano was noncommittal.
``We'll see. Right now we are day to day,'' he said. ``Tyler will be ready, depending on what Chad Henne does this week.''
Thigpen entered Sunday's game in the fourth quarter and led an 85-yard touchdown drive that sealed the 29-17 win. He went 4 for 6 for 64 yards and a score, a remarkably polished performance considering he has been mostly a spectator at practice this season.
``As a No. 3, that's what it is - you don't get any reps,'' Thigpen said. ``The No. 1 gets about 80 percent, and the 2 gets about 20 percent of the reps. But the 3 has to just sit back there and mentally rep every play.''
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