Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington was knocked out of yesterday's game against the San Diego Chargers with an injury to his right shoulder.

The Dolphins didn't know the extent of the injury, and Pennington will be examined today.

Pennington was hit by linebacker Kevin Burnett after throwing an incomplete pass on third-and-7 from the Dolphins 40. He was slow to get up, then once he got to the sideline, took off his helmet and shoulder pads and had a bag of ice on his shoulder.

While with the New York Jets, Pennington missed three games with a shoulder injury in 2004, had offseason surgery, then injured the shoulder again in the third game in 2005, missing the remainder of the year.

"I've worked extremely hard and overcome a lot of adversity and been able to play when people said I couldn't play anymore," Pennington said. "To fathom that I've been through two surgeries and been able to play and play at a high level, I think it's quite an accomplishment.

"I am hoping for the best and preparing for the worst," he added. "It's not my first rodeo with injuries and experiencing things like this."

ELSEWHERE

49ers: San Francisco running back Frank Gore lasted only one carry against Minnesota because of a right ankle injury.

The team says X-rays showed no broken bones and his return is doubtful.

Hurt last week against Seattle, Gore left on the 49ers' second possession of the game.

He limped to the sidelines and tried to walk it off for several minutes before taking a cart to the locker room.

Rams: St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger bruised his right shoulder and sat out the final three quarters against Green Bay.

The Rams also lost Laurent Robinson, their leading receiver this season, to an ankle injury on St. Louis' final drive of the first half. Safety James Butler hurt a knee early in the first quarter.

Chargers: San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman left the game against Miami because of a lingering groin injury.

Merriman tried to play with the injury, which he sustained a week earlier in a loss to Baltimore, but was forced out early in the third quarter.

Lions: Detroit running back Kevin Smith couldn't make it through the Lions' first win since 2007.

He rushed for 101 yards before leaving with an injured right shoulder, but the Lions held on to beat Washington, 19-14, and snap their 19-game losing streak.

Bills: Buffalo starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin did not return after hurting his leg in the first half against New Orleans.

It's not clear when McKelvin was hurt, though he entered the game with a sore ankle.

Bears: Chicago middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer left the game against Seattle with a rib injury.

Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa, a University of Hawai'i alum, were already out with injuries.

HAWAI'I PLAYERS IN NFL

Chicago safety Al Afalava (Kahuku High) had 1 solo tackle in a victory over Seattle.

Miami receiver Davone Bess (University of Hawai'i) had a game-high 7 catches for 54 yards with a long of 14 in a loss to San Diego. He also had 1 rush for 11 yards and returned 1 punt for 9 yards.

Detroit linebacker Jordon Dizon (Waimea High) had 4 tackles, including 3 solo, in a victory over Washington.

Atlanta placekicker Jason Elam (UH) was 1 for 1 on field-goal attempts (26 yards), and 1 for 1 on PATs in a loss to New England.

Tennessee defensive back Ryan Mouton (UH) had 4 tackles, including 3 solo, in a loss to the New York Jets. He had 2 punt returns for 12 yards, and 1 kickoff return for 14 yards. He also lost 2 fumbles.

San Franciso defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (UH) had 3 solo tackles in a loss to Minnesota.