Falcons' James Pearce Jr. suspended for eight games by NFL
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 7:46 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Atlanta Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The situation stems from his February arrest after a domestic dispute involving his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce was a strong contributor last season, leading all rookies with 10.5 sacks. His absence adds to the Falcons' defensive challenges, following the season-ending injury of starting edge Jalon Walker. The Falcons have already sought to bolster their roster by signing veteran edge rushers Azeez Ojulari and Samson Ebukam, as they prepare to manage Pearce's suspension.
- •James Pearce Jr. suspended for violating NFL conduct policy.
- •Suspension includes first eight games of 2026 season.
- •Involved in domestic dispute with ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson.
- •Falcons lost Jalon Walker to a season-ending injury.
- •Veteran rushers Ojulari and Ebukam signed to fill gaps.
- 8:41 PMESPN — Falcons' Pearce suspended 8 games after arrest
- 7:52 PMYahoo Sports — NFL suspends Falcons' James Pearce Jr. 8 games
- 7:41 PMYahoo Sports — James Pearce Jr. will serve an 8-game suspension when the regular season starts
- 7:20 PMYahoo Sports — James Pearce Jr. suspended for first 8 Atlanta Falcons games
- 7:18 PMYahoo Sports — Why James Pearce Jr. is being suspended 8 games by the NFL
- 7:04 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr. suspended by the NFL
"Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday. Pearce was arrested in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson. Pearce will be available to participate in preseason games and all team activities until the suspension takes effect on Sunday, Aug. 30 — which is also when 53-man rosters are finalized.
"Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended by the NFL for eight games due to violating the league's personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday afternoon.
"The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for eight games after an incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 14, 2026, 8:41 PMFalcons' Pearce suspended 8 games after arrest
Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended by the NFL for eight games due to violating the league's personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday afternoon.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 7:52 PMNFL suspends Falcons' James Pearce Jr. 8 games
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday. Pearce was arrested in February following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson. Pearce will be available to participate in preseason games and all team activities until the suspension takes effect on Sunday, Aug. 30 — which is also when 53-man rosters are finalized.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 7:41 PMJames Pearce Jr. will serve an 8-game suspension when the regular season starts
We now officially know that the Falcons will be without James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games of the season as he serves a suspension.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 7:20 PMJames Pearce Jr. suspended for first 8 Atlanta Falcons games
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the team’s first eight games of the season, the NFL announced Friday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 7:18 PMWhy James Pearce Jr. is being suspended 8 games by the NFL
The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for eight games after an incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 7:04 PMFalcons EDGE James Pearce Jr. suspended by the NFL
Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
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