Bengals waste very little time promoting one of their most experienced players thanks to an unfortunate roster move

Bengals promote Mike Pennel as soon as expected

Pennel, a 12th-year player with now 156 games under his belt, was signed to the practice squad just eight days ago, and reports stated the club intended on playing him early. Sure enough, Pennel was elevated off the practice squad for Week 1's win over the Cleveland Browns and the 34-year old played 22 snaps. He was active and played a notable role while DT McKinnley Jackson was a healthy scratch.

Jackson was the fourth interior d-lineman on the roster before Pennel's promotion, and now it appears the latter has overtaken him officially.

Patrick's injury did clear the way for the move to happen, and the veteran RG will miss at least four weeks now that he's on I.R. He played 16 snaps against the Browns before he suffered a calf injury. He also dealt with a calf injury early on in training camp.

This does leave the Bengals with just eight offensive lineman on the active roster, but eight is typically the number that ends up dressing for game days and there are three lineman on the practice squad, Andrew Coker, Jaxson Kirkland, and Seth McLaughlin, who can each be elevated up to three times.

An additional practice squad move was made as well

Pennel's spot on the practice squad has been taken by defensive end Isaiah Foskey, as originally reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, but Foskey isn't the only DE joining the unit.

Myles Cole, a seventh-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars from the 2024 NFL Draft, has also been signed to the practice squad. Cole played in eight games during his rookie season in Jacksonville, but was waived by the club during final cuts this past offseason.

Cincinnati is playing the Jags this week, so Cole could just be in town for intel purposes. Nevertheless, the Bengals had to release DE Isaiah Thomas off the practice squad to fit Cole.