Published November 8, 2026 09:08 AM The eight-game suspension of Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has ended. His second NFL season officially starts on Sunday in Madrid.Pearce is active for the Week 9 game against the Bengals.Pearce will play despite back tightness that made him a limited participant in Friday’s practice.The inactives for the Falcons on Sunday include quarterback Andy Dalton (emergency QB), quarterback Jack Strand, receiver Zachariah Branch, cornerback Billy Bowman Jr., cornerback Robert Longerbeam, and defensive end Drake Jackson.Bowman, who missed the last two games with a hamstring, was considered to be healthy and ready to return. Also out are running back Brian Robinson Jr. and defensive end Samson Ekuban. Both were placed on injured reserve recently, taking them off the 53-man roster.A first-round pick in 2025, Pearce had 10.5 sacks as a rookie, and he finished third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Felony charges filed after he repeatedly rammed his ex-girlfriend’s car and resisted arrest triggered the eight-game suspension.
James Pearce Jr. is active for the Falcons
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