Atlanta Falcons’ James Pearce Jr., a prominent edge rusher, is set to face an eight-game suspension in the upcoming 2026 season for breaching the league’s personal conduct regulations, as confirmed by the league on Friday. Pearce’s suspension stems from his arrest in February following a dispute with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, in Doral, Fla.
The charges against Pearce include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing from law enforcement, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. However, these charges might be dismissed if Pearce complies with a pretrial intervention program, which involves random drug tests, maintaining distance from Jackson, and staying clear of legal issues for a year.
Before the suspension commences on August 30, Pearce will be eligible to participate in pre-season games and all team activities. He is expected to be reinstated on November 2, following the Falcons’ Week 8 clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just in time for their subsequent game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain.
The Falcons’ pass rush unit has faced setbacks with Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL injury. The group now relies on players like Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, and Bralen Trice, with the recent addition of Cameron Sample post Walker’s injury.
In addition to Pearce, the NFL 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, sidelining him for the team’s season opener against Philadelphia on September 13. Armstrong, who is entering his ninth NFL season and third with Washington, had a limited 2025 season due to a knee ligament tear.
Moreover, Tennessee Titans’ Nazeeh Johnson faced a six-game suspension for contravening the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, while Buffalo Bills’ Phidarian Mathis received a three-game suspension for violating the substances of abuse policy. Both players are allowed to practice and play until August 30, after which the league mandates the finalization of 53-player rosters.
Johnson is set to return for the Titans’ home game against Cleveland on October 25, while Mathis can make a comeback for Buffalo’s home game against New England on October 4. Johnson, who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs, signed with the Titans in July. Mathis, on the other hand, appeared in six games for the Bills last season after spending his initial NFL seasons with Washington.
The league’s disciplinary actions highlight its commitment to upholding standards of conduct and integrity among players, ensuring a fair and respectful environment within the NFL community.
