Falcons news roundup: James Pearce Jr. returns, Stefanski on Penix, and more

The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for their Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid following a 16-0 shutout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pass rusher James Pearce Jr. has been activated to the 53-man roster after serving an eight-game suspension and is slated to play on Sunday. Meanwhile, head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated his confidence in quarterback Michael Penix Jr. despite Penix throwing four interceptions against Tampa Bay.

Stefanski also expressed continued trust in veteran kicker Nick Folk despite recent struggles from long distance. On the injury front, edge rusher Samson Ebukam was placed on injured reserve due to a re-aggravated hamstring strain, sidelining him for at least four games, while wide receiver Zachariah Branch will miss Sunday's contest with a hamstring injury.