James Pearce Jr. was trending toward a return for Sunday’s matchup with the Bengals, but that picture changed Friday in the lead-up to Atlanta’s trip to Madrid.
Kevin Stefanski said Pearce is now questionable after a minor back issue flared up and limited him in practice. The Falcons will have a better read on his status in the next 24-48 hours.
Falcons fans have been waiting to see Pearce back on the field. He had been building toward becoming one of the league’s top pass rushers late last season, and Atlanta could use that kind of disruption badly against Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
That need is even sharper with the Falcons already thin up front. Samson Ebukam landed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, leaving Atlanta short on answers along the defensive front. If the Falcons can’t get pressure on Burrow, while also trying to deal with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the back end, it could get ugly fast.
There is some good news on the injury front. Billy Bowman Sr. is set to return to Atlanta’s secondary, and Divine Deablo could also be back this week. Brian Robinson Jr., who had a strong start to the season behind Bijan Robinson, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Atlanta is 3-5 and not quite in must-win territory in the NFC South, but the margin is getting thinner. A loss in Madrid would make the road ahead look much tougher, with the Chiefs next after the trip and the Vikings and Lions waiting after the bye.
In Other News...
Falcons Suddenly Have A Backfield Problem Before Bengals Showdown
The Falcons backfield picture remains unsettled heading into their matchup with the Bengals, with Brian Robinson Jr. sidelined again as he continues to work through a hamstring injury. His absence leaves Atlanta short on a runner it had hoped to lean on, and the team is preparing to dip back into the practice squad for help as it tries to keep the offense on schedule.
Khalil Herbert is expected to be elevated to help fill that role, giving Atlanta another option as it sorts through its running back rotation. There is also some uncertainty on the defensive side, where edge rusher James Pearce was limited in practice and is listed as questionable, adding another layer of concern before a game that already carries some roster stress. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Face A Brutal Week 9 Test After Their Latest Offensive Letdown
Week 9 brings a strange and significant stage for Atlanta, with the Falcons headed into a matchup that could have real playoff weight attached to it as the trade deadline creeps closer on Nov. 10. The weeks slate is loaded with intrigue across the league, but this one stands out for the Falcons because it comes right after another offensive letdown, leaving plenty of attention on how quickly they can steady themselves against a Cincinnati team that has been humming along.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals arrive with momentum after a huge performance, while Atlanta is trying to put last weeks turnover-filled outing behind it and avoid letting one rough stretch define the first half of the season. With several other contenders and trade chatter swirling around the league, this is the kind of game that can sharpen the picture for both teams fast, and the Falcons need a cleaner showing if they want to keep their place in the NFC race. [Read more 🡒]
Michael Penix Jr. Gets One Immediate Chance To Silence Falcons Doubts
Michael Penix Jr. got a harsh introduction to the kind of defensive game-planning that can speed up a young quarterbacks learning curve. Against Tampa Bay, Todd Bowles defense kept pressure on him and mixed in zone looks that disrupted his timing and decision-making, turning a difficult afternoon into one the Falcons would rather leave behind as quickly as possible.
Now comes a different kind of test, and potentially a cleaner chance for Penix to reset the conversation around his play. Cincinnati does not present the same blitz-heavy challenge Tampa Bay did, and the matchup should give Atlanta a better read on how Penix handles a defense built more around man coverage than constant pressure, which is the sort of look that can tell a lot about where his comfort level really is. [Read more 🡒]