The Cincinnati Bengals have released defensive tackle Mike Pennel, it was announced on Tuesday. The team also placed linebacker Shaka Heyward and center Matt Lee on the injured reserve list. Lee has been dealing with a knee injury, while Heyward suffered a fibula injury in Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets.
This leaves the Bengals with three open spots on the 53-man roster. Given how badly the defense is performing right now, the team is likely looking at some street free agents and/or trade targets to give that unit some kind of boost before the season is lost.
At 3-5, the Bengals have a chance to get back in the playoff hunt with a win over the Chicago Bears this week and then at the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out of the bye. That’s why we should expect this team to at least attempt to make several acquisitions in the coming days leading into the November 4 NFL Trade Deadline.
