The Chicago Bears have made a couple of roster moves ahead of mandatory minicamp, which begins Tuesday. The Bears have released edge rusher Jeremiah Attaochu and signed nose tackle Mike Pennel, the team announced Monday night.
Attaochu signed a two-year deal with Chicago last offseason. He appeared in just five games — totaling two tackles — before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pennel is back for his second stint with the Bears. He signed with the Bears last June before landing on injured reserve in August and was cut soon after.
#Bears roster move
We have signed the following Free Agent:
Pennel, Mike (NT – Colorado State-Pueblo)
We have released the following Vested Veteran:
Attaochu, Jeremiah (LB – Georgia Tech).— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) June 14, 2022
The Bears interior defensive line depth has been a focus this offseason following the departures of key veterans Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman and Bilal Nichols. Pennel adds some additional depth to a group that includes Khyiris Tonga, Mario Edwards and Angelo Blackson.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s edge rushers are led by Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson and Al-Quadin Muhammad. That gives players like Dominique Robinson, Sam Kamara and Charles Snowden an opportunity to earn a valuable roster spot.
