The Bears on Monday signed veteran nose tackle Mike Pennel Jr. and released linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu.
Pennel, 31, has appeared in 101 games with 16 starts over eight seasons with the Packers (2014-16), Jets (2017-18), Chiefs (2019-2020) and Falcons (2021). The 6-4, 330-pounder has recorded 176 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
Pennel entered the NFL with Green Bay in 2014 as an undrafted free agent from Colorado State Pueblo. He signed with the Bears last June 18, but he was placed on injured reserve Aug. 24 and released Aug. 31.
Pennel was signed to the Falcons practice squad last Sept. 15 and was elevated to Atlanta's active roster Oct 5. He played in 10 games, all as a reserve, and compiled 21 tackles.
Attaochu signed with the Bears last year but suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in a Week 5 win over the Raiders. He arrived in Chicago after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Chargers (2014-17), Jets (2018) and Broncos (2019-20).
