Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 NFL season after the league found that he violated its personal-conduct policy. The NFL announced the decision Friday, August 14, with the Falcons also confirming the suspension. Pearce will be allowed to play in preseason games, but his regular-season suspension begins August 30. He is expected to return for Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid on November 8. The decision comes after felony charges linked to a February domestic dispute involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Why is James Pearce Jr. suspended by the NFL?
James Pearce Jr. was arrested in February near Miami following a dispute involving Rickea Jackson. He was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. He also faced a misdemeanor stalking charge.
According to the NFL, Pearce agreed to enter a pretrial intervention program in April. The program requires him to stay away from Jackson, attend therapy and avoid further trouble. The charges can be dropped if he completes the program’s conditions.
The NFL’s eight-game suspension is separate from the criminal case. The league made its own decision under its personal-conduct policy, and the suspension is final, meaning Pearce will not appeal it.
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When can James Pearce Jr. return for the Falcons?
Pearce will be reinstated on November 2 and can return to the field November 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid.
However, the time away from football could make his return harder. Under the NFL’s suspension rules, Pearce cannot be inside the team building during the first part of the , except to meet with a team clinician for mental health services. Later, he can attend meetings and work with strength coaches, but he still cannot practice.
His attorney, Yale Sanford, said Pearce has “taken responsibility for his mental health” after the incident.
“His eyes have been opened, and he will continue to learn and grow and be a better person,” Sanford told The Athletic in April. “He understands the ramifications of what just occurred. He knows what was on the line here. As a human being, he understands that he’s in a much better place.”
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What does James Pearce Jr.’s suspension mean for Atlanta Falcons?
The suspension leaves Atlanta without one of its most promising young pass rushers for a large part of the season. Pearce had 10.5 sacks as a rookie in 2025, the most among rookies, and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
The Falcons are also dealing with another major loss on the edge. Jalon Walker, the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, suffered a torn ACL during training camp and will miss the 2026 season. Walker had 5.5 sacks as a rookie.
What is James Pearce Jr.’s preseason status?
James Pearce Jr. is eligible to play in the preseason despite his eight-game suspension. The ban applies to the 2026 regular season and begins on August 30, meaning Pearce can take part in Atlanta Falcons preseason games before then.
He is also eligible to play in the Falcons’ preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. However, being cleared to play does not mean Atlanta has to put him on the field. The team can decide how much, if at all, Pearce plays during the preseason as it prepares for the regular season.
