The NFL has announced that Atlanta Falcons’ James Pearce Jr., a key edge rusher, will face an eight-game suspension at the beginning of the 2026 season for breaching the league’s personal conduct policy. This decision comes following Pearce’s arrest in February after a domestic altercation with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, in Doral, Fla.
Pearce could potentially have his charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking dropped if he complies with a pretrial intervention program. This program includes random drug tests, maintaining distance from Jackson, and staying out of legal trouble for a year. Until his suspension on August 30, Pearce will be allowed to participate in pre-season games and team activities.
The defensive end, in his second year, can be reinstated on November 2 after the Falcons’ Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just before their match against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain. The Falcons’ pass rush has been impacted by Jalon Walker’s ACL injury, leaving them with Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, and Bralen Trice. Cameron Sample was added to the team after Walker’s injury.
James Pearce Jr. was one of four players handed suspensions by the NFL. Dorance Armstrong of the Commanders received a one-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Meanwhile, Nazeeh Johnson of the Tennessee Titans was suspended for six games due to a performance-enhancing substances violation, and Phidarian Mathis of the Buffalo Bills received a three-game suspension for breaching the league’s substances of abuse policy.
Both Johnson and Mathis can continue to practice and play with their teams until August 30. Johnson is eligible to return for the Titans’ game against Cleveland on October 25, while Mathis can make a comeback for the Bills’ match against New England on October 4.
Johnson, who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs, joined the Titans shortly before training camp started. On the other hand, Mathis, who played for Washington earlier in his career, appeared in six games for the Bills last season after featuring in 23 games for Washington in his first three NFL seasons.