Atlanta Falcons’ James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher, is facing an eight-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s personal conduct policy, as officially declared on Friday. The suspension stems from Pearce’s arrest in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, in Doral, Fla.
The charges against Pearce include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking. However, these charges could be dropped if he complies with a pretrial intervention program, which mandates random drug tests, maintaining distance from Jackson, and staying clear of any legal issues for a year.
Despite the impending suspension starting on Aug. 30, Pearce will be able to participate in pre-season games and team activities until then. He is anticipated to be reinstated on Monday, Nov. 2, after the Falcons’ Week 8 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just before their game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain.
The Falcons’ defense faces challenges with Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL injury, leaving a lineup comprising Christian Harris, JD Bertrand, Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels, and Bralen Trice. Following Walker’s injury, Cameron Sample joined the team.
In addition to Pearce, the NFL issued suspensions to three other players on the same day. Dorance Armstrong of the Commanders received a one-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy, which will see him miss the season opener against Philadelphia on Sept. 13. Armstrong, entering his third season with Washington, was limited to seven games last season due to a knee ligament tear.
Tennessee Titans’ safety, Nazeeh Johnson, received a six-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancers policy, while Buffalo Bills’ defensive tackle, Phidarian Mathis, was suspended for three games for breaching the substances of abuse policy. Both players are allowed to continue practicing and playing with their teams until Aug. 30.
Johnson, with previous experience at the Kansas City Chiefs, can return for the Titans’ game against Cleveland on Oct. 25, while Mathis can rejoin Buffalo for their game against New England on Oct. 4. Johnson has had a history of injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023, while Mathis has played in a limited number of games with both Washington and Buffalo.