Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 NFL regular season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The discipline stems from Pearce’s February arrest in Doral, Florida, following a domestic dispute involving his former girlfriend, Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson. Although the legal process did not result in a criminal trial, the NFL conducted its own review under the league’s personal conduct policy before issuing the suspension.
Pearce will be allowed to participate in the remainder of training camp and the Falcons’ preseason schedule before the suspension takes effect. He will then be required to miss Atlanta’s first eight regular-season games and will be eligible to return afterward, provided he meets the league’s reinstatement requirements.
The suspension is a significant setback for Atlanta’s defense, as the Falcons were counting on Pearce to be a key contributor to their pass rush this season. His absence will force the team to lean more heavily on its remaining edge defenders during the first half of the schedule.
Neither the Falcons nor Pearce had issued a public statement immediately following the announcement of the suspension.
