Bengals Reshape Roster, Release Veteran Before Week 9 Clash with Bears
The Cincinnati Bengals have made significant roster changes ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The team has released veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who had been a part of their roster since September 1.
Bengals Release Veteran Mike Pennel
Mike Pennel played eight games this season, recording a total of 15 tackles, including one tackle for loss. The 34-year-old was previously let go by the Kansas City Chiefs during their final roster cuts. Last season, he had notable success with three sacks for Kansas City.
Injury Reports and Roster Changes
- The Bengals have placed linebacker Shaka Heyward and center Matt Lee on injured reserve.
- Matt Lee is dealing with a knee injury.
- Shaka Heyward suffered a fibula injury during a recent loss to the New York Jets.
Following these moves, Cincinnati now has three open roster spots. The team’s struggles in defense have become apparent, particularly in stopping opposing offenses.
Defensive Struggles
Recently, the Bengals’ defense has allowed numerous explosive plays. In their last game, Breece Hall of the New York Jets rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Al Golden acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We didn’t affect the quarterback enough.”
Golden emphasized the importance of strong tackling and pressure on the opposing offense. The Bengals have struggled to generate sacks, with no recorded sack since their Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions.
Next Steps
As the Bengals prepare for the Bears, they must address their defensive deficiencies. The team is looking to enhance their passing game pressure and improve their run defense for better outcomes in future matches.
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