Falcons’ Kevin Stefanski announces James Pearce Jr.’s expected return from suspension

The Atlanta Falcons have a big divisional game on tap against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8, and have been missing linebacker James Pearce Jr. after an eight-game suspension handed down earlier this season. The Falcons’ offense picked up the slack in a 29-20 win over the 49ers last week that led to a Jessie Bates endorsement of QB Michael Penix Jr. , but Pearce Jr. could still help in many ways. Week 9 will bring a home game against Joe Burrow and the Bengals, a game coach Kevin Stefanski said could mark the return of Pearce Jr.