Mike Pennel

Pennel serving a second suspension

December 7, 2016 By Bill Scott

Mike Pennel

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Pennel will serve another four-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Pennel will be eligible to return for any postseason games.

It’s Pennel’s second four-game suspension this season, violating the league’s substance abuse policy for a second time. He also missed the first four games of the season.

Pennel resolved a lawsuit that he filed in Ohio federal court earlier this week. Pennel could have been suspended six to 10 games for a second violation.

The Packers say they won’t comment any further on Tuesday’s announcement.

Pennel has just five tackles in eight games but did have a tackle for loss against the Houston Texans on Sunday. His departure likely means more snaps for rookie Dean Lowery who had his best game last Sunday.

AUDIO: Teammate T.J. Lang on Pennel’s second suspension :15

AUDIO: T.J. Lang reacts to Pennel’s second suspension :16

Packers release rookie QB Callahan today

October 13, 2016 By Bill Scott

Joe Callahan

The Green Bay Packers released rookie third string quarterback Joe Callahan today.

The Packers needed that roster spot and likely another for defensive end Mike Pennel and cornerback Demetri Goodson who both are coming off of four-game suspensions.

It’s possible the Packers could make a move to sign a running back as well.

Callahan made the Packers roster out of training camp and it’s likely he would come back to the teams practice squad if he isn’t claimed off of waivers.

Pennel and Goodson could both help the Packers against the Cowboys on Sunday. Goodson told reporters that he was told he would be activated to the 53-man roster in time for Sunday’s game.

Neal returns to Packers Training Camp

August 11, 2015 By Bill Scott

Mike Neal

Green Bay Packers’ linebacker Mike Neal is practicing for the first time this season, finally returning from sports hernia surgery. Neal was removed from the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday.

Neal was limited to individual drills and lighter work on a scout team.

Neal says his hernia flared up in each of the last three years, and it was especially tough to play through it in 2013. He’s had surgery before, but he hopes his problems are gone for good after having noted Philadelphia surgeon William Meyers handle the procedure this time.

Neal hasn’t missed any games the past two seasons, after missing 20 his previous three seasons with various issues.

AUDIO: Neal on returning to the practice field :18

AUDIO: Neal said he’s playing lighter :23

Injury Update

A number of players returned to practice, including Clay Matthews, Mike Pennel and Jayrone Elliott.

Defensive lineman Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion sat out with injuries, as did linebacker Nick Perry.

Raji with torn bicep, out for the season

August 23, 2014 By Bill Scott

B.J. Raji rushes against J.C. Tretter in Training Camp practice.

If the Green Bay Packers are going to repeat as NFC North Division champions, they’re going to have to do it without nose tackle B.J. Raji.

The Packers haven’t made any official announcement but a source indicates that Raji did suffer the injury early in Friday night’s 31-21 win over the Oakland Raiders in exhibition play. NFL.com initially reported Raji was believed to have torn his biceps.

The Packers re-signed Raji in the off-season for one-year at $4 million. Prior to last night’s injury, Raji had been having a very good training camp, getting back into the swing of things at the nose after playing end a lot last season.

In the short-term, the Packers look to second-year nose tackle Josh Boyd, free-agent Letroy Guion and undrafted rookie Mike Pennel, who has had a good training camp, pushing for a spot on the roster.

Guion has missed the entire training camp with a hamstring injury and was projected to open the season on the P.U.P. list. Raji’s injury could however force the Packers to bring Guion along sooner.

Veteran Ryan Pickett is still available as well. He turns 35 in October and said he still wants to play and would love to come back to Green Bay.