Falcons' James Pearce Jr. suspended eight games by NFL
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 8:09 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
The NFL has suspended Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. for eight games due to felony charges from a domestic violence incident. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the news following a preseason loss. Pearce, who recorded 10½ sacks in 2025, will play in preseason before serving the suspension starting August 30. His absence adds to the Falcons' challenges, including the recent loss of linebacker Jalon Walker to a torn ACL. The team faces additional uncertainty as competition for the starting quarterback job continues amid injuries to key players.
- •James Pearce Jr. suspended for eight games starting August 30.
- •Coach Kevin Stefanski comments on the suspension after a preseason loss.
- •Falcons lost linebacker Jalon Walker for the season to an ACL injury.
- •Quarterback competition is hindered by injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
- •Pearce will participate in remaining preseason games before suspension.
- 8:09 PMYahoo Sports — James Pearce Jr. will play in the preseason before his eight-game suspension starts
- 4:21 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons head coach addresses James Pearce Jr.’s 8-game suspension
- 4:27 AMYahoo Sports — What Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said about James Pearce Jr. suspension
"Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed linebacker James Pearce Jr.’s suspension during Monday’s practice session. League officials suspended Pearce for eight regular-season games for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Pearce was arrested in Florida in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
"The NFL is suspending Falcons reigning sack leader James Pearce Jr. eight games. Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski spoke on the matter Friday night.
"Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed linebacker James Pearce's suspension on Monday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 8:09 PMJames Pearce Jr. will play in the preseason before his eight-game suspension starts
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed linebacker James Pearce's suspension on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 4:21 PMFalcons head coach addresses James Pearce Jr.’s 8-game suspension
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed linebacker James Pearce Jr.’s suspension during Monday’s practice session. League officials suspended Pearce for eight regular-season games for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Pearce was arrested in Florida in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 4:27 AMWhat Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said about James Pearce Jr. suspension
The NFL is suspending Falcons reigning sack leader James Pearce Jr. eight games. Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski spoke on the matter Friday night.
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