"Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington sparingly participated in the team's minicamp and OTA practices this offseason, which raises the probability that the 10-year veteran might begin this season on the physically-unable-to-perform list.

Pennington, who is nine months into rehabbing his third surgical procedure to his throwing shoulder, could usually be found standing next to coach Tony Sparano and offensive coordinator Dan Henning as they called the offense's plays.

When he wasn't doing that, Pennington, who has started 80 of the 89 regular-season games he's played in, was mentoring the young quarterbacks.

Most inside the organization believe Pennington is destined to become a coach when he's done playing.

"I think Chad is a little bit more intelligent than I am, and capable of handing some of the things that I do. And he gets paid more," Henning joked. "We ought to get a little bit more out of him than I've been hearing."

If Pennington begins the season on the PUP list he wouldn't count against the 53-man roster. But he wouldn't be able to practice with the team or play in any of the four exhibition games. However, he could still monitor practices while continuing his rehab."