National Football League

Pennington tears ACL playing basketball

Published Mar. 31, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament playing basketball, his representation agency said.

Dr. James Andrews will perform Pennington's surgery April 7, according to a statement from Creative Artists. CAA's release did not say which knee he hurt.

Pennington, who is one of most respected players in the NFL, could be finished playing because of his latest injury.

Pennington, who turns 35 in June, dealt with shoulder problems off and on for several seasons.

A shoulder injury ended Pennington's 2009 season in Week 3. Following arduous rehabilitation, he began 2010 as a backup to Chad Henne, then made his season debut in the ninth game when he started against Tennessee. But he had to leave the game after only two snaps with a dislocated shoulder and torn capsule, resulting in his fourth shoulder surgery.

His contract with the Dolphins expired after the 2010 season.

Pennington's career completion percentage of 66.0 is the highest in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts. In 2008, his one full season with the Dolphins, Pennington led them to their only playoff berth since 2001.

The right-hander was originally selected in the first round of the 2000 draft by the New York Jets.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.