Atlanta (1-1) defeated Minnesota (1-1), 22-6, Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Former Vol defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. recorded his first career sack in the NFL. He totaled two tackles, 0.5 sacks and one quarterback hit for the Falcons.
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Pearce Jr. was selected by Atlanta in the first round (No. 26 overall) of the 2025 NFL draft. He played for the Vols from 2022-24, recording 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.
Pearce Jr. appeared in 13 games for Tennessee in 2024. He totaled 38 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, one pass deflection, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery during the Vols’ season that ended in the College Football Playoff.
Atlanta will next play at Carolina on Saturday. Kickoff between the Falcons and Panthers is slated for 1 p.m. EDT (Fox).
More: Every Tennessee football player selected in 2025 NFL draft
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Former Vol records first sack in NFL