Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the NFL announced Friday.
Pearce was arrested in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson. The incident took place in Doral, Fla.
Pearce’s charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking could be dropped if he cooperates in a pretrial intervention program requiring random drug tests, distance from Jackson and staying out of legal trouble for one year.
Pearce will be available to participate in preseason games and all team activities until the suspension takes effect on Sunday, Aug. 30 — ell
The second-year defensive end can be reinstated on Monday, Nov. 2, following Atlanta’s Week 8 road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are set to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain, the following week.
The Falcons’ pass rush has taken a hit recently following Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL tear. The group is left with Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels and Bralen Trice. The Falcons also added Cameron Sample after Walker’s injury.
Atlanta traded back to the No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2025 draft to select Pearce. The former Tennessee Volunteer has played a substantial role in transforming the Falcons’ pass rush, leading the team with 10 1/2 sacks during his rookie season.
Other suspensions
Pearce was one of four suspensions the NFL handed out Friday.
The NFL also suspended Washington Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong, Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis.
Armstrong was suspended one game for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He will miss the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13.
Armstrong opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list but has since been activated to resume practicing. He was limited to playing seven games last season before suffering a torn knee ligament.
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He’s entering his ninth NFL season and third in Washington.
Johnson was suspended for six games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancers. Mathis was issued a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Under NFL rules, the players are allowed to practice and play with their respective teams through Aug. 30, when NFL teams are required to set their 53-player rosters.
Johnson is eligible to return for the Titans’ home game against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 25. Mathis can return for the Bills’ home game against the New England Patriots on Oct. 4.
Johnson has three previous seasons of NFL experience, all with the Kansas City Chiefs, and signed with the Titans on July 27, just before the opening of training camp.
The 28-year-old had six starts in 29 games with the Chiefs since they selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. A shoulder injury limited Johnson to appearing in just two games last season. He also missed the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL in his right knee.
Mathis, 28, appeared in six games with the Bills last season. He spent his first three seasons appearing in 23 games with the Commanders.