NFL: Pennington plans to be ‘available’

Chad Pennington stood on the sideline last Sunday with his helmet on, yearning to jog onto the field and throw a pass for the New York Jets. He’s hoping his injured right ankle has healed enough for him to be in the huddle this weekend against the Miami Dolphins.

“My goal is to be available,” Pennington said Wednesday. “I’m going to prepare just like I always prepare and work just as hard as I always have worked. Nothing has changed for me as far as my mind-set and my focus and what I’m trying to do. That’s my job as a player and my goal. I’ll leave the decision up to coach.”

Pennington looked close to normal during the half-hour window the media are allowed to view practice. The limp that was extremely noticeable a week ago was barely there. Pennington also dropped back and put his full weight on his right ankle during passing drills.

“I worked and prepared extremely hard on an injury that normally takes some time,” Pennington said. “It’s still a process, something that you have to go through and work through all those things. My goal was to be available on Sunday and I was available. I left it up to coach to make that decision.”

Owens fined for celebration

After seeing the videotape of Terrell Owens’ latest touchdown celebration, the NFL office wasn’t laughing.

Owens said he was fined “a good chunk of money” – which he later defined as thousands of dollars – for a celebration that included him using the goal post and football to poke fun at the New England Patriots’ spying scandal during Dallas’ 37-20 victory over Miami this past Sunday.

A league spokesman said the fine was $7,500.

Reed returns to Eagles

J.R. Reed is back with the Philadelphia Eagles for his defense more than his return skills.

Released after his muffed punt led to a loss at Green Bay in the season opener, Reed re-signed with the Eagles to provide depth in a banged-up secondary.