Atlanta Falcons’ player, James Pearce Jr., has been handed an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy in the upcoming 2026 season. The suspension comes after Pearce’s involvement in a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson, leading to his arrest in Doral, Fla.

Despite facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor stalking, Pearce has the opportunity to have the charges dropped if he complies with a pretrial intervention program, which includes random drug tests, maintaining distance from Jackson, and staying out of legal trouble for a year. Pearce will be allowed to participate in pre-season games and team activities until the suspension begins on August 30.

Pearce is expected to be reinstated on November 2, following the Falcons’ Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the team then set to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain. The Falcons’ defensive line has been impacted by injuries, particularly Jalon Walker’s season-ending ACL tear, leaving a limited group of players to fill crucial roles.

The NFL announced four suspensions, including Pearce, with Dorance Armstrong of the Commanders, Nazeeh Johnson of the Titans, and Phidarian Mathis of the Bills also facing suspensions for various policy violations. Armstrong will miss the Commanders’ season opener, Johnson is set to return on October 25, and Mathis on October 4, based on the terms of their suspensions.

Johnson, with previous NFL experience with the Kansas City Chiefs, signed with the Titans just before training camp began. Mathis, on the other hand, spent his initial NFL seasons with Washington before joining the Bills. Both players are expected to rejoin their respective teams after serving their suspensions.