James Pearce Jr. returned to the Atlanta Falcons' roster Monday after an eight-game league suspension stemming from a February domestic violence arrest. Coach Kevin Stefanski announced Pearce is expected to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid. Pearce, 23, was suspended for violating the personal conduct policy after allegedly ramming his vehicle into ex-girlfriend WNBA player Rickea Jackson's car.
He entered a pretrial diversion program, avoiding trial if he stays compliant for one year. Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks as a rookie and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Without him, the Falcons rank seventh in quarterback pressure rate (40%).
The team waived Jared Ivey and Drake Jackson Monday. Samson Ebukam (hamstring) will be out. Stefanski praised Pearce's attitude, calling his return a positive for the pass-rushing group alongside Za'Darius Smith and Cameron Thomas.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich believes Pearce "is in a great space.".
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing