" Against a widespread belief that Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington's two-year tenure in Miami is over, the two-time NFL comeback player of the year isn't ready to say the same. Pennington wants to stay in South Florida.

The veteran has decided to make it his priority to stay with the Dolphins, even if it means backing up quarterback Chad Henne, two sources said this week. The Dolphins are willing to entertain the possibility under some circumstances.

Pennington, who underwent his most recent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum on Oct. 1, must prove strong enough to make some of the most difficult throws in football. Specifically, the team wants to see Pennington make a 15-yard out route before the end of February, one source said.

Such a route calls for the wide receiver to run 15 yards and make a 90-degree cut toward the far sideline. It is a dangerous pass that requires power and distance - two qualities that were not often Pennington's strong suits.

Pennington is scheduled to meet Feb. 22 with Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery. That's when Andrews will assess the recovery and provide a better timeline when it comes to a realistic return to action.

Pennington's rehabilitation is already progressing nicely. He has reached a point where he is capable of throwing a football, but he is not pushing it beyond anything more strenuous than an average game of catch.

Unlike many NFL players, who spend these months resting their bodies, Pennington has decided to continue his training as he prepares for yet another comeback.

Pennington's ability to come back from this latest injury is based primarily on the lack of damage to his rotator cuff, which had been surgically repaired on two previous occasions."