NFL Preseason Roster Shakeups
Colts QB Competition Intensifies as Falcons DE Pearce Jr. Faces Eight-Game Suspension
Key Points
Leonard described adjusting his approach after a competitive QB battle with Richardson, citing an interception against the Patriots as an example of past mistakes and saying he’s now focused on 'how can I help this team this play' to reduce errors.
James Pearce Jr. is a Tennessee product who produced notable college production (71 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, one interception, one touchdown, three forced fumbles) during 2022–24, and has contributed in the Falcons’ preseason, including two tackles in Week 2 against the Colts.
Pearce Jr.’s eight-game suspension for personal-conduct policy violations will take effect after the roster is reduced to 53 players for the regular season, though he remains eligible to participate in all preseason activities.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski praised the team’s young players, saying, 'You saw a bunch of examples of young players playing really fast today,' while also noting the quarterbacks made good decisions.
Michael Penix Jr. was cleared for contact, which allows him to return to practice next week as Atlanta continues evaluating its quarterback room ahead of the regular season.
The Indianapolis Colts lost decisively to the Atlanta Falcons 34-6 in their Week 2 preseason matchup, but the real story emerged from the quarterback competition and off-field developments. Riley Leonard, competing for the No. 2 spot behind Anthony Richardson, said he's adjusting his mindset to reduce mistakes, while Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. learned he faces an eight-game suspension for personal-conduct violations USA Today.
Leonard Shifts Strategy in Unsettled QB Battle
Riley Leonard went 7-of-14 for 62 yards against Atlanta, then watched Anthony Richardson struggle in the second half with 3-of-9 passing for 24 yards and no touchdowns. USA Today reported that Leonard has changed his approach after being overly aggressive in earlier preseason action. He now focuses on "how can I help this team this play" rather than forcing plays.
Leonard cited an interception against the Patriots as an example of mistakes he's working to eliminate. The Colts have not named a clear No. 2 QB yet, meaning both Leonard and Richardson remain in the mix as Indianapolis prepares for the regular season USA Today.
Falcons' Young Quarterbacks Deliver Mixed Results
Atlanta's offense showed promise despite the easy win. Cooper Rush went 10-for-11 for 86 yards in the first half, while undrafted rookie Jack Strand stepped in and threw for 212 yards with two touchdowns. Yahoo Sports reported that Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski praised the young players, saying "You saw a bunch of examples of young players playing really fast today."
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta's starting quarterback, was cleared for contact and will return to practice next week USA Today. The move signals the Falcons are still evaluating their QB room before the regular season kicks off.
James Pearce Jr. Suspended Eight Games for Misconduct
The Falcons' defensive end learned he will miss the first eight games of the 2025 regular season for violating the league's personal-conduct policy Yahoo Sports. Pearce Jr., a former Tennessee standout, recorded impressive college statistics: 71 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 19.5 sacks between 2022 and 2024. He contributed two tackles against the Colts in this preseason game.
Importantly, the suspension takes effect after the roster cuts to 53 players, meaning Pearce Jr. remains eligible for all preseason activities USA Today. This allows him to continue developing with the team before the penalty begins.
Broncos Also Struggle in Preseason Action
In other preseason news, the Denver Broncos lost to the Green Bay Packers 33-13, highlighting ongoing depth concerns. The lopsided loss raised questions about Denver's roster composition ahead of final roster cuts. Both the Colts and Broncos are using these games to evaluate their backup quarterbacks and depth players.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativePublishers
14
Articles
17
Reach
31
