08/14/26 02:54:00
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08/14 14:52 CDT NFL suspends Falcons' James Pearce Jr. 8 games
NFL suspends Falcons' James Pearce Jr. 8 games
By MAURA CAREY
AP Sports Writer
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. The incident took place in
Doral, Florida.
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.
The second-year defensive end can be reinstated on Monday, Nov. 2, following
Atlanta's Week 8 road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are
set to play the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain, the following week.
The Falcons' pass rush has taken a hit recently following Jalon Walker's
season-ending ACL tear. The group is left with Christian Harris, JD Bertrand,
Samson Ebukam, Kendal Daniels and Bralen Trice. The Falcons also added Cameron
Sample after Walker's injury.
Atlanta traded back to the No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2025 draft to
select Pearce. The former Tennessee Volunteer has played a substantial role in
transforming the Falcons' pass rush, leading the team with 10 1/2 sacks during
his rookie season.
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