Bengals Release Mike Pennel; Expected To Rejoin Chiefs

The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel on Tuesday following Week 8; the 34-year-old, 12-year NFL veteran recorded 15 tackles in eight games for Cincinnati and played roughly 25% of defensive snaps. Cincinnati granted Pennel’s request for the release, and he is expected to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, where teammates had publicly advocated bringing him back. Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Pennel’s attitude while saying he was leaving personnel decisions to GM Brett Veach, and noted Pennel was a member of Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV and LVIII rosters. The Bengals also placed linebacker Shaka Heyward and center Matt Lee on injured reserve in conjunction with the roster moves. Pennel logged 133 defensive snaps and 41 special-teams snaps for Cincinnati this season while serving primarily in a rotational role.