India, Aug. 15 -- Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 NFL season after the league found that he violated its personal-conduct policy. The NFL announced the decision Friday, August 14, with the Falcons also confirming the suspension. Pearce will be allowed to play in preseason games, but his regular-season suspension begins August 30. He is expected to return for Atlanta's Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid on November 8. The decision comes after felony charges linked to a February domestic dispute involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

James Pearce Jr. was arrested in February near Miami following a dispute involving Rickea Jackson. ...