Atlanta Falcons’ linebacker, James Pearce Jr., has been handed an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy in the upcoming 2026 season. This decision comes after Pearce’s involvement in a domestic altercation with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson, leading to his arrest in February in Doral, Fla.
The charges against Pearce include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. However, these charges may be dropped if Pearce complies with a pretrial intervention program that includes random drug testing, maintaining distance from Jackson, and staying clear of legal issues for a year.
Before the suspension takes effect on August 30, Pearce will be allowed to participate in pre-season games and team activities. He is eligible for reinstatement on Monday, November 2, following the Falcons’ Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with their subsequent match against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain.
The Falcons’ defense has faced setbacks with Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL injury, leaving the team with a limited pass rush lineup. Notably, Pearce, who was acquired in a trade during the 2025 draft, played a significant role in bolstering the team’s defense, leading with 10 1/2 sacks in his rookie season.
Apart from Pearce, the NFL also announced suspensions for three other players on the same day. Dorance Armstrong of the Commanders received a one-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy, Nazeeh Johnson of the Tennessee Titans was suspended for six games due to performance-enhancing substances, and Phidarian Mathis of the Buffalo Bills faced a three-game suspension for substance abuse policy violations.
While Armstrong will miss the Commanders’ season opener, Johnson is set to return for the Titans’ game against Cleveland, and Mathis is scheduled to be back in action for the Bills’ game against New England. The players are permitted to practice and play until August 30, the deadline for setting the 53-player rosters for NFL teams.
Johnson, with previous experience at the Kansas City Chiefs, joined the Titans shortly before training camp. Mathis, on the other hand, had stints with both the Bills and Washington in his NFL career.