John Penisini’s time with the Detroit Lions has now officially come to an end, long after the defensive tackle last played for the team.
Penisini retired from football last summer due to a medical issue that impacted his shoulders. The nose tackle had played a rotational role in his first two seasons after being a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, but he was unable to keep playing.
On Wednesday, the Lions waived Penisini from the reserve/retired list. It’s a procedural formality that released the Lions from any contractual ties to the player. Penisini passed through waivers unclaimed on Thursday and is now a free agent able to sign with any team if he chooses to try and make a return to the NFL.
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