The New Orleans Saints are signing their second defensive tackle in as many days. They’ve added John Penisini to their practice squad, per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, after poaching PJ Mustipher from the Denver Broncos practice squad on Wednesday.
Penisini, 26, was a sixth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2020 NFL draft out of Utah. He didn’t miss a game through his first two years in the league but briefly retired in 2022; he had a history of shoulder issues which Lions coach Dan Campbell characterized as calcium deposits the size of softballs. Penisini ended his retirement to sign with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, who released him during training camp with a failed physical, but he’s clearly looking for work.
And the Saints could use some help up front. They’ve given up 370 rushing yards in two games after their bye week. Backup defensive tackle Malcolm Roach just went on injured reserve for at least the next four games. Here’s what the depth chart looks like now at defensive tackle:
- Nathan Shepherd
- Khalen Saunders
- Bryan Bresee
- PJ Mustipher
- Jack Heflin (practice squad)
- John Penisini (practice squad)
