The Atlanta Falcons came up just short in getting a season-opening victory in Week 1 and will now have to go on the road to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. The start isn’t optimal as the Falcons look to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole to begin the year, but it could get even worse if they don’t have several key players to help the cause.
The Falcons got some good news in that regard when receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney were listed without an injury designation on the team’s final report on Friday. The Falcons weren’t as fortunate when rookie James Pearce Jr. was listed as questionable with a groin injury.
Pearce has been limited in practice all week due to the injury, and the questionable designation still gives him a good chance to play. Atlanta may be wise to take it easy with their rookie after a successful debut in Week 1.
James Pearce Jr.’s Injury Could Put Falcons’ Pass Rush in Jeopardy
Pearce was a key addition to the Falcons' defense this offseason. General manager Terry Fontenot gave up several draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder, in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to take him 26th overall selection in April. He quickly validated that deal with a strong performance in the loss to the Tampa Buccaneers last week.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pearce posted a 59.4 overall grade but managed four pressures including a quarterback hit and three hurries on 15 pass-rushing snaps. Only Abdul Carter of the New York Giants could manage four pressures among rookies in Week 1 and while Pearce didn’t get a sack, there are some to come after collecting 19.5 during his three seasons at Tennessee.
This can be a matchup that Pearce could have taken advantage of, as Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game. His replacement, Justin Skule, allowed four total pressures, including two sacks on 31 pass-blocking snaps against the Chicago Bears, giving defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich a gateway to attack quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who had just a 79.2 passer rating under pressure last week.
But even if Pearce doesn’t play, the Falcons have options. Arnold Ebiketie registered a pair of hurries in his season debut, and veteran Leonard Floyd and rookie Jalon Walker could be part of a strong rotation that could handle the load if Pearce is out.
Still, the Falcons would like to have Pearce back after he was their most effective pass rusher in Week 1, and having him miss Sunday’s game would be a definite blow as Atlanta looks to get back to .500.