Falcons release 2 players as James Pearce returns from suspension
Story by
Falcons release 2 players as James Pearce returns from suspension
Matt Urben, Falcons Wire·Falcons Wire
·
3 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
TheAtlanta Falconshave already begun tweaking their roster ahead of Sunday's matchup against theCincinnati Bengalsin Madrid, Spain. On Monday, the team released edge rushers Jared Ivey and Drake Jackson from the 53-man roster in anticipation of James Pearce Jr.'s return in Week 9.
Ivey, a Georgia native who played for Ole Miss and Georgia Tech in college, appeared in seven games for the Falcons this season. The 25-year-old recorded eight tackles (four solo), one sack and two QB hits. Ivey began his career with the Seattle Seahawks but played just two games in 2025.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Jackson is a former second-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft. The former San Francisco 49ers edge rusher recorded 21 tackles (12 solo), six sacks, and one interception in his first two seasons. After missing all of 2024 due to injury, Jackson landed with the Washington Commanders in 2025.
As for Pearce, while he has yet to be activated, his eight-game suspension has officially been lifted by the NFL, according toESPN's Marc Raimondi. Expect him back on the roster sometime this week. Even with Pearce returning, the Falcons still have another roster spot available.
Check out the team's updated 53-man roster and practice squad going into NFL Week 9 below.
Quarterbacks (4)
Michael Penix Jr. (9)
Tua Tagovailoa (1)
Andy Dalton (13)
Jack Strand(18)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Running Backs (2)
Bijan Robinson (7)
Brian Robinson Jr. (15)
Wide Receivers (5)
Drake London (5)
Jahan Dotson (4)
Olamide Zaccheaus (14)
Zachariah Branch(17)
Chris Blair (19)
Tight Ends (4)
Kyle Pitts (8)
Austin Hooper (81)
Charlie Woerner (89)
Nick Muse (87)
Offensive Linemen (8)
Jake Matthews (70)
Matthew Bergeron (65)
Ryan Neuzil (64)
Chris Lindstrom (63)
Jawaan Taylor (71)
Ethan Onianwa(75)
Kyle Hinton (68)
Corey Levin (62)
Defensive Linemen (9)
Gervon Dexter (95)
Brandon Dorlus (54)
Maason Smith(92)
Samson Ebukam (52)
LaCale London (94)
Za'Darius Smith (55)
Cameron Thomas (99)
Zach Harrison (96)
Charles Snowden (47)
Linebackers (5)
Divine Deablo (0)
Kendal Daniels(53)
Harold Perkins Jr.(56)
Christian Harris (45)
Josh Woods (42)
Defensive Backs (11)
A.J. Terrell (24)
Avieon Terrell(12)
Mike Hughes (21)
Billy Bowman Jr. (33)
C.J. Henderson (26)
Mike Ford Jr. (28)
Jessie Bates III (3)
Xavier Watts (31)
DeMarcco Hellams (23)
Sydney Brown (29)
Robert Longerbeam (37)
Special Teams (3)
LS:Liam McCullough (49)
K:Nick Folk (6)
P:Jake Bailey (16)
Falcons practice squad
WR Vinny Anthony (86)
OL Kam Dewberry (61)
WR Dylan Drummond (80)
DB Darnay Holmes (30)
OT Riley Mahlman (76)
TE E.J. Jenkins (84)
WR Antwane Wells (82)
OL Josh Thompson (67)
DL Zacch Pickens (93)
RB Khalil Herbert (25)
OL Colby Sorsdal (74)
LB Brian Asamoah (41)
RB Jam Miller (38)
S Jammie Robinson (34)
LB T.J. Quinn (43)
Reserve Lists
OT Michael Jerrell (Reserve/Injured)
Da'Shawn Hand (Reserve/Injured)
LB Yasir Abdullah (Reserve/Injured)
EDGE James Pearce Jr. (suspended)
WR Beaux Collins (Reserve/Injured)DTR
OT Storm Norton (Reserve/PUP)
LB DeAngelo Malone (Reserve/PUP)
DE Keshawn Banks (Reserve/Injured)
LB JD Bertrand (Reserve/Injured)
LB Jalon Walker (Reserve/Injured)
RB Trey Sermon (Reserve/Injured)
DT Anterio Thompson (Reserve/NFI)
OT Cameron Williams (Reserve/Injured)DTR
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) hands the ball to running back Bijan Robinson (7) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III (17) warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; A detail view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throwing hand before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (6) and Jalon Daniels (10) run onto the field for warmups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers mascot Captain Fear performs before a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) greets his son Maverick Mayfield and wife Emily Mayfield before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) greets his son Maverick Mayfield and wife Emily Mayfield before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers mascot Captain Fear performs before a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons placekicker Nick Folk (6) prepares to attempt a fifty-three-yard field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) calls the snap count from under center against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball to running back Bucky Irving (7) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Chase McLaughlin (4) kicks a forty-six-yard field goal held by punter Riley Dixon (9) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/17
5 takeaways from Falcons' ugly loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) hands the ball to running back Bijan Robinson (7) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/17
5 takeaways from Falcons' ugly loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) hands the ball to running back Bijan Robinson (7) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III (17) warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; A detail view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throwing hand before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (6) and Jalon Daniels (10) run onto the field for warmups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers mascot Captain Fear performs before a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) greets his son Maverick Mayfield and wife Emily Mayfield before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) greets his son Maverick Mayfield and wife Emily Mayfield before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/17
NFC South: Bucs back from the dead after shutout win over Falcons
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers mascot Captain Fear performs before a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons placekicker Nick Folk (6) prepares to attempt a fifty-three-yard field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) calls the snap count from under center against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball to running back Bucky Irving (7) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/17
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Best photos from NFC South showdown
Nov 1, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Chase McLaughlin (4) kicks a forty-six-yard field goal held by punter Riley Dixon (9) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
