Chiefs DT Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘He’s picking it up’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘He’s picking it up’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel is a veteran of the team’s system and has firmly grasped how things are done in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. He spoke to the media on Friday, providing an update on the progress of recently acquired pass rusher Joshua Uche.

“I’ve heard about him in college. I saw him a little bit over in New England, and, you know, Mike Danna, they were teammates together. So we know that he’s a speed rusher. He’s a guy that gets after the quarterback as Spags’ (Steve Spagnuolo) playbook is complex, but he’s picking it up very well.” said Pennel. “He’s blended well with the guys, is a hard worker, and is entertaining in the locker room. And, keep him under the wing and just let him know it’s a family atmosphere, giving him room to grow, room to work.”

The former Michigan Wolverine is off to a slow start in Kansas City, but there is optimism that he will find a solid role in the defensive system. More practice time and support from his new teammates will help contribute to his progress as the postseason draws closer.

Chiefs DL Chris Jones, Mike Pennel surprise fans with tickets for ‘Crucial Catch’ game vs. Saints

#Chiefs linemen Chris Jones and Mike Pennel surprised two fans with tickets to Kansas City’s ‘Crucial Catch’ game against the #Saints.

As part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ community initiatives, defensive linemen Chris Jones and Mike Pennel helped the team raise cancer awareness in partnership with the K.U. Cancer Center.

Pennel, who is a survivor of childhood cancer, joined Jones to deliver a huge surprise to a local area fan who recently underwent a battle with breast cancer.

The two linemen gave breast cancer survivor Jill Shahan and oncologist Jamie Wagner of the K.U. Cancer Center tickets to see the Chiefs play against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 5.

Shanahan and Wagner also threw the ceremonial first pass before Kansas City’s ‘Crucial Catch’ game last week.

Check out this video of their experience, which was shared by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

Expect the team to feature more stories like this in the future as it continues to raise awareness about cancer screening through the NFL’s ‘Crucial Catch’ initiatives.

 

Report: Chiefs to re-sign veteran DL Mike Pennel

The Kansas City #Chiefs are expected to re-sign veteran defensive lineman Mike Pennel.

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to re-sign veteran defensive lineman Mike Pennel, keeping him on the roster for the team’s title defense campaign in 2024.

Confirmation of the signing came from Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com, who credited linebacker Drue Tranquill for initially reporting the signing in a press conference held by Kansas City earlier in the day.

Pennel, a former Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichoke, was a key member of the Chiefs’ front four in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He has made a name for himself as a gritty role player since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and may have earned a more significant role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense after his excellent playoff campaign last season.

While this might not be the flashiest signing of the day, it should prove to be a crucial one as the Chiefs look toward defending their newly won championship in hopes of securing a third consecutive Super Bowl victory.

WATCH: Chiefs DL Mike Pennel’s priceless reaction to Super Bowl LVIII win

Mike Pennel was overcome with emotion after the #Chiefs’ win over the #49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

Few players made their presence felt in Super Bowl LVIII more than Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Mike Pennel.

He earned a starting spot in Kansas City’s championship matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, and made the most of the opportunity, notching six combined tackles which were good to fie for the fourth-most among all Chiefs in the game.

In a clip posted to Twitter by NFL Films, Pennel can be seen taking in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII win, overcome with emotion while holding confetti in his hands on the sideline.

Super Bowl wins don’t come easy, and Pennel had to fight for his chance to make an impact on Kansas City’s latest championship win.

After spending part of the 2023 season as a free agent, Pennel signed with the Chiefs’ practice squad in late October and gradually worked his way up to the crucial role he played against the 49ers.

Chiefs DL Mike Pennel hailed as unsung hero of Super Bowl LVIII

Fans shared their thoughts about #Chiefs DL Mike Pennel’s superb performance in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII win.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line put together an outstanding performance in Super Bowl LVIII, and one underrated contributor is being hailed as the team’s unsung hero of the game.

Veteran tackle Mike Pennel, who was part of Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV win over the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 before putting together a legendary showing on Sunday, stood out as the team’s most underrated asset on the NFL’s biggest stage.

His six combined tackles tied for fourth place on the Chiefs’ leaderboard in the game, and without his presence on the interior of the defensive line, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey could have had a field day against Kansas City’s front four.

Pennel signed with the Chiefs in October after a brief stint with the Chicago Bears. His addition proved crucial in Kansas City’s effort to secure its third title in four years.

Check out what users on Twitter had to say about Pennel after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory on Sunday:

Chiefs rule out WR Kadarius Toney for sixth consecutive game

Chiefs rule out WR Kadarius Toney for the sixth consecutive game vs. Ravens

The Kansas City Chiefs will again be without wide receiver Kadarius Toney for the sixth straight game because of his lingering hip injury. In addition to his hip ailment holding him out of action Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs have listed personal reasons on the report.

The young receiver has had a season to forget with injury issues, subpar production and noticeable miscues throughout the year. Toney finished the 2023 season with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions, including several dropped passes. He could be a tough roster decision for general manager Brett Veach in the offseason.

On Saturday, the Chiefs also announced other roster moves ahead of their AFC Championship battle with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Kansas City elevated two practice squad players: defensive tackle Mike Pennel and cornerback Keith Taylor. The loss of Derrick Nnadi on the defensive line this week could open some playing time for Pennel.

Mike Edwards (concussion), Isiah Pacheco (ankle/toe) and Willie Gay (neck) remain listed as questionable. The Chiefs players could be game-time decisions as the team travels to Baltimore for the chance to earn a return to the Super Bowl.

Chiefs activate WR Mecole Hardman from injured reserve

Chiefs activate WR Mecole Hardman from injured reserve

The Kansas City Chiefs made significant roster changes on Saturday before their New Year’s Eve matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. A veteran offensive spark is set to return, while a defensive role player was waived.

Mecole Hardman will officially be off of injured reserve and have his questionable status from the latest injury report removed ahead of Week 17. Hardman had been out of action since his Week 11 injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. The thumb injury suffered in the Monday night loss in November was initially believed not to be serious since he did return in the second half. The questionable status lifted from his name is a positive trend that he could see action on Sunday.

The Chiefs also activated practice squad players, running back Keaontay Ingram and defensive tackle Mike Pennel. Defensive tackle Matt Dickerson was waived as part of the roster moves on Saturday; he appeared in eleven games this season as a reserve defensive lineman. The 28-year-old could potentially return to the team’s practice squad if another team does not claim him.

Hardman fills an immediate void left by Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, both dealing with injuries. He should also have a presence on special teams in the punt return game.

Chiefs sign DL Mike Pennel to practice squad

The #Chiefs signed veteran defensive lineman Mike Pennel to their practice squad on Tuesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs bolstered depth along their defensive line on Tuesday by signing veteran Mike Pennel to their practice squad. Pennel, who previously played for Kansas City on their Super Bowl LIV championship team, most recently played for the Chicago Bears, but was a free agent entering the 2023 regular season.

News of Pennel’s signing with the Chiefs broke on Twitter when Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports reported the initial transaction and corresponding roster move on Tuesday afternoon.

Rookie wide receiver Daniel Arias was released to make room for the veteran lineman and may find his way onto another team’s practice squad later in the season.

Pennel’s addition isn’t expected to have an immediate impact on Kansas City’s plans on gameday, though the depth he provides the Chiefs could be a major factor later in the season if injuries on the team’s defensive front become an issue.

For now, Pennel will have to wait for his chance to contribute on Sundays, but his championship pedigree is a clear asset.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones recruiting DE Frank Clark, DT Mike Pennel back to Kansas City

Chris Jones took to Twitter to recruit a pair of former teammates back to the #Chiefs. | from @EdEastonJr

The NFL offseason has already seen plenty of movement in free agency, with old faces moving to new places. The Kansas City Chiefs have added more players while parting ways with key players from last season’s Super Bowl LVII-winning team.

One of the biggest names let go by the Chiefs to start the offseason was veteran defensive lineman Frank Clark, who was a mainstay defensively for the Chiefs over the last four seasons. He often played his best football during the postseason and had a penchant for stepping up in the most critical moments. Injuries and off-the-field issues had become a distraction in the latter part of his Chiefs’ tenure, making him and his cap hit expandable in the front office’s eyes.

Clark’s former teammate Chris Jones appears to be pushing for a reunion, appealing to Clark in his latest tweets. The All-Pro defensive tackle tagged Clark directly to recruit him for next season.

Clark wasn’t the only target on Jones’ mind, as he tweeted a similar message for veteran DT Mike Pennel. The 33-year-old spent last season with the Chicago Bears but was teammates with Jones on the Chiefs in 2019 and 2020. Pennel played in all 17 games for the Bears, where he tallied 26 total tackles and a forced fumble.

The Chiefs haven’t formally acknowledged any efforts to recruit either Clark or Pennel, but anything is possible. The team never closed the door on a reunion with Clark when they released him earlier in the offseason. Carlos Dunlap was a late signing last year as training camp was underway, so adding a trusted veteran at some point before the season can never be ruled out.

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Bears 2023 free agency preview: Will Mike Pennel be back in rotational role?

Mike Pennel served in a rotational role along the defensive interior. But it’s hard to believe the Bears will bring him back in 2023.

NFL free agency will be here before we know it, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of players set to hit the market. From key starters to valuable reserves, general manager Ryan Poles will have important decisions to make about who to bring back.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going through each individual player and breaking down their 2022 performance and whether or not they fit in the Bears’ long-term plans.

Next up is Mike Pennel, who served in a rotational role along the league’s worst defensive line in 2022. But with Chicago looking to overhaul the defensive line, does he factor into their plans?