Bengals promote Mike Pennel to the 53-man roster after Week 1, moving Lucas Patrick to IR. Cincinnati also added DE Myles Cole and DE Isaiah Foskey to the practice squad, while releasing DE Isaiah Thomas. Patrick will miss at least four games with an ankle sprain, elevating Pennel’s run-stopping role and testing the DL depth early.

Alongside the roster shuffles, the moves signal a prioritization of rotational DL talent and veteran presence on the interior. Foskey’s practice-squad signing hints at development depth for potential future activation, while Cole provides added edge rush options should injuries bite as Cincinnati navigates a grueling schedule.

Mike Pennel elevated from the Bengals’ practice squad ahead of Week 1 versus the Browns, a standard elevation that allows him to play and then revert after the game. Signed after leaving the Chiefs, Pennel is a veteran interior disruptor with playoff ambitions attached to Cincinnati. Expect multiple practice-squad elevations this season if he proves himself, with a possible late-season push for a 53-man role depending on his fit and health.

The move strengthens Cincinnati’s interior against Cleveland’s power rushing and adds depth to the D-line rotation. Fantasy managers should watch early snap counts and any additional elevations, as Pennel’s presence could widen the defense’s ceiling and create occasional IDP streaming value if he adapts quickly.

Cincinnati filled a veteran depth need by signing Mike Pennel to bolster the nose tackle position, planning to start him on the practice squad and elevate him as a gameday option. Noah Fant and Dalton Risner add important pieces to the offense—Fant as a versatile tight end and Risner as an interior-line stabilizer—complementing a front that's aiming for more consistency before Week 1. The move comes amid a waiver-wire hiccup with the Patriots and a contract-incentive-heavy push from Trey Hendrickson, underscoring a proactive, depth-minded approach to roster-building.

These shifts signal Cincinnati’s strategy to hedge upfront while preserving cap flexibility, prioritizing run defense and pass-game versatility in a bid to improve the roster without overcommitting at the margins.

The Kansas City Chiefs have commenced day two of padded practices, highlighting the impressive performance of Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Players noted a marked improvement in communication between veterans and rookies, crucial for executing the new defensive scheme. Trent McDuffie emphasized the collaborative atmosphere in the defensive back room, crediting it for a quicker learning curve this season.

Veteran Mike Pennel has taken on a leadership role, drawing from his experiences with stars like Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers during his time with the Green Bay Packers. Pennel's mentorship is vital as he guides new players, fostering a united team spirit focused on achieving common goals for the upcoming season.