HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Aug. 15, 2005) -- New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington threw in both practice sessions and said his surgically repaired right shoulder felt fine after its first big test of training camp.
Pennington, recovering from a torn right rotator cuff that caused him to miss minicamp and offseason training, had been throwing in just the afternoon practices during the first two weeks of camp.
Coach Herman Edwards said that Pennington would start throwing twice a day, beginning with the Aug. 15 practice.
"I hate missing practice and I'm happy that I can go through two practices in one day now," Pennington said. "It's a bad feeling when you can't and now I've been able to cross that barrier and get over that hump."
Pennington said his shoulder felt good in both practices, but was especially happy he was able to throw with even more velocity in the afternoon session.
"I think it's a great sign and I'm really pleased with that," he said. "Not to have to feel any setbacks or soreness or anything from the morning practice is pleasing. Now I just have to start putting things together and really concentrate on the offense -- not worry about myself anymore."
Pennington watched from the sidelines during the Jets' 10-3 victory over Detroit, but said after the game that he was 90 to 95 percent healthy. He also expects to start against Minnesota.
"I'm really excited to get into game action and be in the huddle with my teammates and go through what a game experience is like all over again," he said. "It's been a while and a long road, so this is kind of the first step to ending the recovery phase and just moving on, playing quarterback and trying to lead this team where we want to go."
Edwards said he would decide Aug. 17 whether Pennington will play against the Vikings.
"He wants to play, there's no doubt about it," Edwards said. "That's what he does, he likes playing football. We'll see at the end of the week and we'll go from there."
Notes: Cornerback Ty Law participated in drills as he works himself into game shape, but won't play against the Vikings. ... Guard Brandon Moore has a strained hamstring and also won't play. ... Linebacker Darrell McClover was scheduled to have surgery on his broken left leg Aug. 15. He's out indefinitely.
