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JUST IN: Chiefs Re-Sign Veteran DT to the Practice Squad Just 21 Hours After His Release

Kansas City, MO — Aug. 27, 2025. Less than a day after cutdown day, the Kansas City Chiefs have brought DT Mike Pennel back on a practice squad deal, completing the familiar emotional loop of roster deadline week: gone in the morning, back the next day. With battle-tested experience, stout run defense, and deep familiarity with Steve Spagnuolo’s system, Pennel remains a trusted “brace” for the defensive front on early downs and short-yardage situations.

The move fits Kansas City’s roster philosophy: push youth development without abandoning dependable veteran anchors. In an ultra-competitive defensive line room, re-signing Pennel to the practice squad gives the staff game-day flexibility. If injuries pop up or the run defense needs reinforcement, he’s an immediate elevation option (under league rules, a practice-squad player can be elevated up to three times before requiring a 53-man contract).

Pennel understands the one-gap/two-gap fits in Spagnuolo’s multiple front, can anchor at 0T/1T in base, and slide to 2i/3T when the Chiefs go heavier. That fluency shortens the runway if his number is called on game day and spares the defense from deeper structural shuffling. In the locker room, he’s a veteran voice that steadies tempo and habits for younger linemen—especially early in the season as rhythms settle.

Kansas City is my home. From Red Friday to the roar at Arrowhead, I’ve always felt I belong here. Putting on the red and gold again—even on the practice squad—is an honor. My job hasn’t changed: run hard, tackle hard, mentor the young guys, and be ready the moment the team calls my name,” Pennel said upon his return.

Tactically, Pennel’s presence reinforces the post-cutdown plan: carry extra DL to unlock situational run-stopping packages, control early downs, and force opponents into long-yardage—prime conditions for the pass rush. It’s smart insurance: low cost, low risk, and instantly convertible into live snaps when needed.

In the short term, expect the Chiefs to monitor the interior DL’s health and run-defense needs over the first two weeks. If an opening appears—via injury or a strategic tweak—Pennel is a strong candidate to rejoin the 53-man roster. For now, he’s the timely answer to a familiar question: how to keep interior heft without sacrificing continuity in a season where every yard of field position matters.

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Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”