Denver (1-0) defeated Atlanta (0-1), 27-7, on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia. 68,183 were in attendance for the Week 1 NFL preseason game.
Former Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. appeared in the contest for the Falcons. He recorded two tackles.
Before the game kicked off, Pearce Jr. was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.
According to NFL transactions, the former Vol was suspended by the commissioner for the first eight games of the 2026 regular season. Pearce Jr. is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games. His suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players.
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 at Tennessee from 2022-24. He totaled 71 tackles, 29.5 tackles for a loss, 19.5 sacks, one interception, one touchdown, three pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: James Pearce Jr. plays in Atlanta-Denver preseason game