Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended for the first eight games of the upcoming 2026 season due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The suspension follows his arrest in February during a domestic incident with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. The event occurred in Doral, Florida, and led to charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, and resisting arrest. Pearce entered a diversion program in April to address the charges, which could result in them being dropped if he meets certain conditions. Conditions of the program include random drug tests, staying away from Jackson, and avoiding further legal trouble for one year.
Pearce is allowed to participate in preseason activities and team practices until August 30, when the suspension officially begins, according to the Chicago Tribune. He can be reinstated on November 2, following Atlanta’s Week 8 road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report from The Boston Globe. The Falcons are set to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain, the week after Pearce’s suspension takes effect.
Pearce was selected by Atlanta with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, wkrn.com reported. He played a substantial role in transforming the team’s pass rush during his rookie season, recording 10½ sacks and setting a Falcons rookie record for quarterback pressures. The Falcons have lost Jalon Walker to a season-ending ACL tear, leaving the pass rush with fewer options. Current edge rushers include Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, and Bralen Trice.
Atlanta added Cameron Sample after Walker’s injury. The NFL also suspended other players this week, including Washington Commanders edge rusher Dorance Armstrong. Armstrong was suspended for one game and will miss the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13. He had been on the physically unable to perform list at training camp but was later activated to practice.
Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson received a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancers policy. Johnson is eligible to return on October 25 for the Titans’ home game against the Cleveland Browns. Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis was suspended for three games under the league’s substance abuse policy. Mathis can return on October 4 for the Bills’ game against the New England Patriots.
Johnson has three seasons of NFL experience, all with the Kansas City Chiefs, and signed with the Titans in July. He played six starts in 29 games with the Chiefs since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. A shoulder injury limited him to just two games last season, and he missed the entire 2023 campaign due to a torn ACL. Mathis, 28, appeared in six games with the Bills last season and spent his first three seasons with the Washington Commanders.
All players are allowed to practice and play with their teams through August 30, when the NFL requires teams to finalize their 53-player rosters.
IMAGE: James Pearce Jr. Atlanta Falcons Edge Rusher Credit: DNR art dept