The Atlanta Falcons will be playing against the Cincinnati Bengals this week, and there is a chance one of their players won't be on the field. After serving an eight-game suspension, James Pearce Jr. was eligible to return this week, but he's also dealing with a back injury that the team is monitoring, according to team reporter Tori McElhaney.
“A change to the injury report: RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) has been ruled OUT. James Pearce Jr. is dealing with a back issue that the Falcons will monitor throughout the weekend, per Kevin Stefanski,” McElhaney wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Falcons are hoping that they can get Pearce back so they can get a boost on the defensive end, specifically getting pressure on the quarterback. They've been fine at doing so throughout the season, but Pearce brings another level that they can help them become even better in that category. He showed that last season in his rookie year when he finished with 10 1/2 sacks.
“I see it as a positive to add a good player to the mix,” Stefanski said via Daniel Fick of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I think the way ‘Brick’ and the defensive staff have constructed this rush plan, obviously married up with the coverage plan, I think it’s beneficial to all parties to do your job. But adding another good player to the mix is a good thing.”
James was suspended for eight games for violating the league's personal conduct policy after he was arrested in February due to an altercation with his ex-girlfriend. He was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person.