Atlanta (2-1) concluded its NFL preseason on Aug. 28. The Falcons defeated Miami (0-3), 17-12, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Former Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. totaled two sacks, three tackles and one tackle for a loss for Atlanta.
After facing the Dolphins in a preseason finale, he will be suspended the first eight games of the regular season for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. The former Vol was eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games. Pearce Jr.'s suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players.
The NFL 53-man roster deadline is Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT.
Pearce Jr. was a rookie with Atlanta in 2025. He recorded 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five pass deflections
and one forced fumble in 17 games last season.
Pearce Jr. played for the Vols from 2022-24.
Atlanta will kick off its regular season Sept. 13 at Pittsburgh (1 p.m. EDT, Fox).
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: James Pearce Jr. records two sacks in Atlanta's NFL preseason finale
