In our latest recap, Kaleb McGary gets an extension, James Pearce Jr. gets in a practice brawl, and Raheem Morris’ fall goes viral.
James Pearce Jr. has gotten into another scuffle at practice, some see this as an issue but voices in the locker room and front office have described it as “grit” and “passion” something this defensive unit hasn’t seen in a while.
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— Chris Alberts (@atlsportscenter) August 4, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons held their sixth open practice on Monday morning, and fans got to see the team’s full slate of rookies. First-round pick Jalon Walker and third-rounder Xavier Watts returned after being restricted to individual drills over the last few days.
In today’s Falcons news recap, Michael Penix Jr. is compared to Super Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford, right tackle Kaleb McGary gets a contract extension, and rookie James Pearce Jr. gets in another practice brawl.
Rookie James Pearce Jr. in another practice scuffle
Pearce has done a good job of getting under the skin of Atlanta’s offensive line throughout training camp. The rookie was involved in two practice skirmishes last week. On Monday, Pearce was in the middle of another practice scuffle. Head coach Raheem Morris took the rookie out for the next rep to cool down.
“James Pearce Jr in the middle of it,” wrote 11Alive News reporter Maria Martin. “Raheem Morris got in his face after. Tyrone Wheatley and JPJ chirping at each other for a while after. [It] looked like JPJ grabbed a face mask at some point. He was taken out of the next rep.”
Falcons OC thinks Penix has Stafford-like traits
Penix has one of the strongest arms in the league, and it was on display during a rainy Monday practice. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson told NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe that Penix reminds him of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“I talked to their offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson,” said Wolfe. “Robinson was with Matt Stafford with the Rams. He said ‘[Penix] processes like Matthew Stafford.'”
After losing Drew Dalman in free agency, the Falcons weren’t about to let right tackle Kaleb McGary get away so easily. The team signed the former first-round pick to a two-year, $30 million extension on Monday afternoon. McGary has been durable for Atlanta, starting 92 games over the last six seasons. The extension is also good news for left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. since his blind-side protector is locked up through 2027.
Raheem Morris’ fall vs. Drake London goes viral
Morris knows how to fire up his team, but he may regret his latest tactic. During Monday’s practice, the second-year Falcons head coach took a rep against wide receiver Drake London and it went south fast. Morris attempted to press London at the line of scrimmage but was quickly disposed of by the former first-round pick. Watch the viral clip below.
Falcons camp highlights: Best of Monday’s practice