flag
back Back
Falcons release 2 players as James Pearce returns from suspension

The Atlanta Falcons have already begun tweaking their roster ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in 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.

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 to ESPN'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)

Running Backs (2)

  • Bijan Robinson (7)

  • Brian Robinson Jr. (15)

Wide Receivers (5)

  • Drake London (5)

  • Jahan Dotson (4)

  • Olamide Zaccheaus (14)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • Christian Harris (45)

  • Josh Woods (42)

Defensive Backs (11)

  • A.J. Terrell (24)

  • 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)

Falcons practice squad

  1. WR Vinny Anthony (86)

  2. OL Kam Dewberry (61)

  3. WR Dylan Drummond (80)

  4. DB Darnay Holmes (30)

  5. OT Riley Mahlman (76)

  6. TE E.J. Jenkins (84)

  7. WR Antwane Wells (82)

  8. OL Josh Thompson (67)

  9. DL Zacch Pickens (93)

  10. RB Khalil Herbert (25)

  11. OL Colby Sorsdal (74)

  12. LB Brian Asamoah (41)

  13. RB Jam Miller (38)

  14. S Jammie Robinson (34)

  15. 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)

  • 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)

You may like

Brady Returns: Tom Brady Set To Broadcast First Game At Gillette Stadium

foxsports.com 27 minutes ago

Rams snap counts: Rookie TE gets first shot, undrafted OLB keeps rising

aol.com 7 hours ago

Gunnar Helm was the highest-graded Tennessee Titans' player in Week 8

aol.com 4 hours ago

AFC Playoff picture: Texans remain in the hunt entering Week 9

aol.com 37 minutes ago

Packers’ New Practice Squad QB Got Ringing Endorsement From GOAT

si.com 16 minutes ago

Ravens sign quarterback to practice squad after Lamar Jackson injury

aol.com 38 minutes ago

Red Wings at Panthers: Notes, Lines, Goalies, How to Watch

aol.com 8 hours ago

Brandon Aiyuk Takes Major Step toward NFL Return after Commanders Dream Fell Apart

aol.com 51 minutes ago

Cardinals To Start Gardner Minshew vs. Seahawks; Rookie Carson Beck To Be Backup

foxsports.com 42 minutes ago

25 Men's College Basketball Transfers To Watch During The 2026-27 Season

foxsports.com 5 hours ago