Falcons Recap: Roster shakeup, James Pearce suspension incoming?

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After getting Sunday off, the Atlanta Falcons returned to their Flowery Branch facility for Day 10 of training camp. With the team's 2026 preseason opener against the Denver Broncos coming up this Friday, each remaining practice is that much more important.

Not only did the Falcons get a key starter back on offense, but they announced a handful of roster moves to kick off the week. Head coach Kevin Stefanski also met with the media and gave an update on Tua Tagovailoa's status for Friday's opener.

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In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Atlanta signs two new players, right tackle Jawaan Taylor officially returns, we get an update on James Pearce Jr.'s looming suspension and look at some highlights from Monday's practice.

NFL insider says James Pearce facing 8-game suspension

Atlanta is anxiously awaiting the league's ruling on James Pearce Jr.'s personal conduct violation. According to Falcons insider Josh Kendall, fans should expect a lengthy suspension for the Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist:

"I’m worried many Falcons fans aren’t prepared for the length of suspension James Pearce Jr. is going to get. I would expect the league to announce his punishment under the personal conduct policy before rosters are trimmed at the end of this month. It’s going to be at least eight games, in my opinion... I wouldn’t be shocked if it was more." - Josh Kendall,The Athletic

Falcons sign DE Cameron Sample to 90-man roster

The Falcons are thin at the edge rusher position following the loss of Jalon Walker. On Monday, the team signed veteran defensive end Cameron Sample to their 90-man roster. Sample, 26, spent his first five NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, recording seven sacks and 26 QB hits in 61 games (five starts).

The former fourth-round pick signed with San Francisco in free agency, but he was released by the 49ers last week. Sample should at the very least bring some quality depth to the edge rotation.

Falcons activate RT Jawaan Taylor, waive 2 players

Aside from signing Cameron Sample, the Falcons activated starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor off of the PUP list on Monday. Taylor practiced for the first time since joining the team. On the flip side, the Falcons waived long snapper Phillip Florenzo and placed offensive tackle Jack Nelson on the waived/injured list.

Florenzo, an undrafted free agent out of Clemson, signed with Atlanta following the 2026 NFL Draft. Nelson, a seventh-round pick in 2025, appeared in 10 games last season but played exclusively on special teams.

Falcons sign RB Trey Sermon

The Falcons still had an open roster spot remaining following their earlier transactions and used it on running back Trey Sermon, team reporter Tori McElhaney announced on Monday evening. The 27-year-old was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft but only lasted one season in San Francisco.

After a one-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, Sermon landed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the next two seasons (2023-2024). The former Ohio State standout appeared in 31 games during his two years with the Colts, rushing 319 yards and two touchdowns.

Falcons LB named trade candidate by B/R

The Falcons have plenty of salary cap space, but they could also get something done via trade. On that note, Bleacher Report has named backup linebacker JD Bertrand the team's top trade candidates.

"The Atlanta Falcons selected linebacker JD Bertrand in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, and they've gotten a decent return on their investment. The Notre Dame product has appeared in 27 games with two starts and has recorded 58 tackles and a sack... However, the Falcons have revamped their inside linebacker rotation this offseason. They added Christian Harris, Channing Tindall, and Josh Woods. They also drafted Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr." - Kristopher Knox, B/R

Former Falcons WR signs with Bears

The Chicago Bears signed former Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud on Monday afternoon, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported. McCloud was in Atlanta for about a season and a half, posting a career-high 62 catches for 686 receiving yards in 2024.

The 29-year-old return specialist proved to be a valuable weapon in the slot during his first season, however, McCloud fell out of favor with the team in 2025. He appeared in just four games and was a healthy scratch for three consecutive weeks before getting released by Atlanta at mid-season.

Kirk Cousins disciplined by Raiders following scuffle

Former Falcons QB Kirk Cousins recently found himself in a training camp scuffle with none other than Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby. The two veteran players got into a minor altercation during Friday's practice and had to be separated by coaches and players, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Cousins and Crosby were held out of Saturday's practice as punishment for their feud.

"Cousins jawed at Crosby before grabbing his collar," wrote Warren. "A shouting match ensued before coaches and teammates came in to break things up. Cousins and Crosby continued to throw verbal jabs at each other even as they went their separate ways."

Falcons training camp: Updates & highlights from Day 10

The Falcons got back to work on Monday, and by most accounts, both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. played well. Tagovailoa participated in 11-on-11 drills, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said he still wasn't sure if the veteran QB would play in Friday's preseason opener. Stefanski said he would make that declaration on Wednesday. Penix has already been ruled out but continues to make progress. Here are some clips from Monday's practice.

The Falcons will return for another practice on Tuesday. Atlanta will host the Denver Broncos this Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Recap: Roster shakeup, James Pearce suspension incoming?

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