John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Mon 5/13/24 7:19 PM

Penisini was waived by the Saints on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
EDGE Analysis
The defensive tackle played in 32 games with the Lions between the 2020 and 2021 seasons but has not appeared in an NFL game since. Penisini was waived from Carolina's reserve/PUP list last August.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Wed 12/6/23 9:08 PM

The Saints brough in Penisini (undicslosed) for a tryout Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini was waived from Carolina's reserve/PUP list in early August, and he has not been claimed since being let go by the Panthers. While the nature of his injury was never disclosed, it appears the 26-year-old is now once again ready to contribute for a team this season. Penisini most recently played in 2021 with the Lions, logging 14 tackles and one pass defended while serving as a rotational defensive tackle across 16 games.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Wed 8/9/23 5:14 PM

Penisini (undisclosed) was waived from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini reverted to the reserve/PUP list last Wednesday after he was waived from the active/PUP list. The 26-year-old came out of retirement to stage a comeback, but unfortunately, an injury early in camp derailed his attempt. He'll now focus on trying to return to full health.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Wed 8/2/23 6:17 PM

Penisini (undisclosed) has cleared waivers and reverted to the Panthers' reserve/PUP list, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
EDGE Analysis
If Penisini remains on the reserve/PUP list through training camp, he will be forced to miss the first four games of the season before being eligible to return. However, a quick return will be advantageous for his future with the team, as he is currently competing with several players for a role providing depth at nose tackle in the upcoming season.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Tue 8/1/23 5:50 PM

Penisini (undisclosed) was waived from the active/PUP list Tuesday with a failed physical designation, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini came out of retirement to try and earn a roster spot; however, the 26-year-old suffered an injury that will not allow him to compete. Whether he works to get healthy and tries again or decides to retire once more remains to be seen.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Sun 7/23/23 12:30 PM

Penisini (undisclosed) will start training camp on the Panthers' active/PUP list, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini signed a one-year, $940,000 contract with the Panthers in April after coming back from retirement. The 2020 sixth-round pick spent his first two years in Detroit, where he recorded 49 tackles and one sack across 32 games.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Mon 4/10/23 5:34 PM

Penisini signed a contract with the Panthers on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
The 25-year-old Penisini announced his retirement last offseason, but after a year away from football, he's electing to resume his career in Carolina. A 2020 sixth-round pick, Penisini spent his first two NFL seasons in Detroit, recording 49 tackles (23 solo) and a sack in 32 games. Penisini will look to provide depth at nose tackle as Carolina switches to a 3-4 defense.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Sat 6/11/22 12:43 PM

Penisini announced his retirement Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini was drafted by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2020 Draft and appeared in 16 games in each of his first two seasons in the league. As a rookie he played 576 defensive snaps and recorded 35 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. However, he saw his playing time dwindle last year and recorded only 14 tackles across 16 games.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Sun 12/5/21 12:21 PM

Penisini (illness) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini appeared on track to play all week but was a late addition to the injury report due to illness. He's logged a rotational role along the Lions' defensive line, recording a total of eight tackles across 11 games on the campaign. Bruce Hector could see an uptick in playing time with Penisini absent.

John Penisini
IL/DT FA
Sat 8/28/21 3:32 PM

Penisini logged five defensive snaps during Friday's preseason finale against the Colts.
EDGE Analysis
Penisini missed time during the start of training camp due to an undisclosed injury and the nose tackle then appeared out of place when he did get a look in Detroit's new defense. While he's now healthy, Penisini is not a lock for the final roster despite coming off a successful rookie year.