What happened: The NFL officially lifted the eight-game suspension of Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. on Monday. Pearce was suspended without pay in August and sat out the first eight games of the regular season.

Why it matters: Atlanta created immediate roster flexibility earlier in the day by releasing defensive end Drake Jackson and linebacker Jared Ivey. Pearce's reinstatement bolsters the Falcons' pass rush depth as the team enters the second half of the season.

What to watch: The Falcons must formally activate Pearce to their 53-man roster before he can make his regular-season debut.