Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. suspended eight video games for violating NFL personal-conduct coverage | Newest NFL Information, Evaluation & Updates

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the primary eight video games of the 2026 season by the NFL for violating the league’s personal-conduct coverage, the Falcons announced on Friday. 

Pearce shall be eligible to return to play in Week 9 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid. 

Pearce was arrested in February close to Miami after a home dispute involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA participant Rickea Jackson. Pearce was charged with three felony counts — aggravated battery with a lethal weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence — and confronted a misdemeanor depend of stalking. 

Pearce, 22, agreed to a six-month pretrial intervention program in April, with the potential for the costs to be dropped ought to Pearce meet the situations of this system.

A suspension for Pearce just isn’t a shock, nevertheless it does not reduce the influence for Atlanta’s protection, which may even be with out go rusher Jalon Walker, who tore his ACL in coaching camp and can miss the 2026 season. 

Walker was chosen fifteenth total within the 2025 NFL draft, with Pearce taken 11 spots later after the Falcons traded into the twenty sixth decide, sending their 2026 first-rounder to the Rams within the swap. 

Pearce was an AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist after posting 10.5 sacks final season.