(Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday.
Pearce’s suspension stems from his February arrest following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. The second-year pass rusher will be eligible to participate in preseason games and team activities before his suspension takes effect Aug. 30.
Pearce Won’t Appeal Suspension
Pearce did not appeal the NFL’s decision, making the eight-game suspension final, according to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy.
The league said Pearce can participate in all preseason activities, including games, before the suspension begins. He will be eligible for reinstatement Nov. 2.
That means Pearce can remain with the Falcons through the preseason and training camp before beginning his suspension when the regular-season roster deadline arrives.
Pearce Faced Multiple Charges
Pearce, 22, was arrested in February after an alleged domestic dispute with Jackson in Doral, Florida.
According to police, Pearce allegedly used a vehicle to repeatedly ram into a car driven by Jackson in an attempt to prevent her from reaching a police station. Pearce reportedly fled after officers responded to Jackson’s call, later crashing his vehicle and fleeing on foot.
He was accused of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest and misdemeanor stalking.
Jackson also filed for a protective order against Pearce, writing in the petition that she was “in fear of my life” during the alleged incident.
Charges Could Be Dropped
Pearce entered a pretrial intervention program in May.
Under the agreement, the charges could be dropped if he stays out of legal trouble for one year, passes random drug tests and has no contact with Jackson.
Jackson subsequently dropped her petition for a protective order as part of the intervention agreement.
Falcons Will Miss Top Pass Rusher
Pearce’s suspension is a significant blow to an Atlanta defense that is already dealing with a major injury.
The Falcons recently lost edge rusher Jalon Walker to a season-ending ACL injury, leaving the team with fewer established options along the defensive front.
Pearce also spent much of the spring away from the team but returned for mandatory minicamp and has participated throughout training camp. He has primarily worked with the reserves despite being Atlanta’s top pass rusher last season.
The Falcons have other options including Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels and Bralen Trice. Atlanta also added Cameron Sample following Walker’s injury.
Pearce Broke Falcons Rookie Sack Record
Atlanta traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Pearce with the No. 26 overall pick.
The former Tennessee standout immediately made an impact as a rookie, recording 10.5 sacks and setting a Falcons rookie record. He also finished third in voting for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
His absence for the first eight games will leave Atlanta without one of its most productive pass rushers for nearly half of the regular season.
NFL Suspends Three Other Players
Pearce was one of four players suspended by the NFL on Friday.
Washington Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong received a one-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He will miss Washington’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL suspended Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, while the league suspended Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis for three games under its substances of abuse policy.
All four players can practice and participate in team activities through Aug. 30, when NFL teams must finalize their 53-man rosters.
Atlanta opens its preseason against the Denver Broncos on Friday before beginning the regular season without Pearce for the first eight games.
