Pennel (hamstring) carries no injury designation into Sunday's game against the Broncos. Pennel suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Chiefs' Christmas Day win over the Steelers and did not return. He finished this week with a full practice Friday, and barring any setbacks he'll be good to go for Sunday's regular-season finale. With the Chiefs locked in as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and resting its starters, Pennel is expected to see heavier playing time at defensive tackle in place of Chris Jones (calf).
Pennel is questionable to return to Wednesday's Week 17 game against Pittsburgh due to a hamstring injury. Pennel headed to the locker room due to the hamstring issue in the second quarter and was deemed questionable to return just prior to halftime. He started the game for Kansas City in place of Chris Jones (calf). Derrick Nnadi and Marlon Tuipulotu are options to step in at defensive tackle if Pennel can't return.
Pennel tallied four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, during Kansas City's 27-19 win over Houston on Saturday. Pennel was credited with his third sack of the regular season Saturday when he pushed C.J. Stroud out of bounds for a five-yard loss early in the third quarter. Pennel could start at defensive tackle against the Steelers on Wednesday if Chris Jones -- who is not practicing Monday due to a calf strain -- is unable to play on Christmas Day.
The Chiefs re-signed Pennel to a one-year-deal Wednesday, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports Pennel will stay in Kansas City after spending the majority of last season on their practice squad. The 32-year-old should compete for a spot as a reserve defender after compiling four tackles (two solo) across three appearances a season ago.