was signed by the this offseason to help bolster the team's run defense. Instead, Pennel was , with ESPN's Mike Rei s reporting Monday morning that the Patriots are releasing him. Max Muncy Jersey A 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive tackle, Pennel started 10 games for the over the previous two seasons. Pennel, after breaking into the with the in 2014, record 62 tackles in 32 games with the Joc Pederson Jersey Jets before signing with the Patriots as a free agent this past offseason.But after an underwhelming training camp and preseason, New England has reportedly decided to release Pennel, who will now look to sign with another before the start of the regular Julio Urias Jersey season. Pennel was atop New England's depth chart prior to his release. With Pennel out his way out the door, , a former undrafted rookie who started six games for the Patriots in 2017, is in line to replace Pennel on the depth chart Joe Kelly Jersey . , a former first round pick who joined the Patriots in 2018, may also get a chance to start following Pennel's release. Shelton is currently behind fellow defensive tackle on New England's depth chart.New England finished 11th last season in rushing yards allowed, giving up an average of 113 rushing yards per game during the Hyun-Jin Ryu Jersey regular season. The Pats finished second in rushing touchdowns allowed, giving up just seven rushing touchdowns during the regular season. The Patriots' rush defense was even better in the postseason, allowing just 122 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries in their three playoff victories.