Atlanta Falcons’ James Pearce Jr., the edge rusher, is facing an eight-game suspension in the upcoming 2026 season for breaching the league’s personal conduct policy, as confirmed by the league on Friday. Pearce’s legal troubles stem from a domestic altercation with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, resulting in his arrest in Doral, Fla., back in February.
To potentially have his charges dropped, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking, Pearce must comply with a pretrial intervention program. This program mandates random drug tests, maintaining distance from Jackson, and staying clear of legal issues for a year.
While Pearce can participate in preseason games and team activities until his suspension begins on Aug. 30, he is set to return on Monday, Nov. 2, following the Falcons’ Week 8 match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Subsequently, the Falcons will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain.
The Falcons have faced setbacks in their pass rush with Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL injury. The defensive lineup now includes Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, and Bralen Trice, with Cameron Sample joining after Walker’s injury.
In a recent round of suspensions, Pearce was one of four players sanctioned by the NFL. The league also suspended Dorance Armstrong of the Commanders for one game, Nazeeh Johnson of the Titans for six games, and Phidarian Mathis of the Bills for three games due to various policy violations.
Armstrong, entering his ninth NFL season and third with Washington, will miss the Commanders’ season opener against Philadelphia. Johnson, who signed with the Titans shortly before training camp, is eligible to return for their game against Cleveland on Oct. 25. Mathis, who played six games with the Bills last season, can return for Buffalo’s game against New England on Oct. 4.
Both Johnson and Mathis are permitted to practice and play with their teams until Aug. 30, the deadline for teams to finalize their 53-player rosters. Johnson, with previous experience with the Kansas City Chiefs, has been plagued by injuries, while Mathis previously played for Washington before joining the Bills.