James Pearce Jr. will make his return for the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 9 NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid after serving an eight-game suspension. Pearce’s second season officially begins on Sunday despite dealing with back tightness that limited his participation in Friday’s practice.
The Falcons confirmed Pearce is active for the game, marking his first appearance since the felony charges that led to his suspension. The charges stem from an incident where Pearce allegedly rammed his ex-girlfriend’s car multiple times and resisted arrest. He had missed the first half of the season as a result.
Pearce, a first-round pick in 2025, had an impressive rookie campaign with 10.5 sacks and finished third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His absence had left a noticeable gap in the Falcons’ defensive line, which the team looks to fill again as they face the Bengals on Sunday.
Atlanta’s inactive list for the game includes quarterback Andy Dalton, who is listed as an emergency QB, along with Jack Strand. Receiver Zachariah Branch and cornerbacks Billy Bowman Jr. and Robert Longerbeam are also out. Bowman had missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury but was expected to return, making his absence notable.
Defensive end Drake Jackson will not play either. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. and defensive end Samson Ekuban were placed on injured reserve recently, removing them from the 53-man roster.
Despite his back tightness, Pearce’s activation suggests the Falcons are confident enough in his condition to have him on the field. The game in Madrid is one of the NFL’s international fixtures aimed at expanding the sport’s global reach, adding an extra layer of intensity to Pearce’s return.
The Falcons have struggled this year, and Pearce’s presence could be an important factor in their defensive efforts against the Bengals, who have been competitive in the AFC. Pearce’s ability to pressure quarterbacks was evident during his rookie season, and Atlanta will hope he can regain that form quickly.
Sunday’s game will give Pearce a chance to demonstrate how he has adapted after the suspension and whether he can maintain the high level of play he showed as a rookie. The Falcons have not announced any specific plans for Pearce’s snap count or role, but his activation alone marks a significant development.
The legal issues that led to Pearce’s suspension remain on record, but the NFL’s decision to reinstate him after eight games allows him to continue his career without further delay. The Falcons have opted to move forward with Pearce available for selection, indicating their readiness to integrate him back into the lineup despite recent challenges.
This match in Madrid will be the first look at Pearce’s impact on the field this season and how the Falcons’ defence adjusts with him back in the rotation.
According to Yahoo Sports.
