The NFL’s Friday discipline wave hit four players, and no one felt it harder than Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pearce has been suspended eight regular-season games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The punishment comes out of Pearce’s February arrest in Doral, Florida, after an incident involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
According to ESPN, Pearce allegedly followed Jackson’s vehicle and repeatedly collided with it as she tried to make her way to a police station. Police later chased Pearce after he allegedly fled, crashed and ran from the vehicle.
Pearce, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, wasted little time showing Atlanta why the team invested so heavily in him. The former Tennessee standout posted 10.5 sacks and 26 tackles in his rookie season. Now the Falcons will be without him for half the schedule, adding another major complication to a defense already expecting to play without linebacker Jalon Walker, who suffered an ACL injury.
The longest suspension was not the only one handed out Friday.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis received a three-game ban for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. That suspension will cost him Buffalo’s first three regular-season games, leaving the Bills without him against the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers.
Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong was suspended for one game after violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The league did not publicly spell out the conduct behind the ruling. Armstrong had 5.5 sacks in seven games last season, and his absence will hit Washington’s defensive rotation in the opener.
Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson also drew a lengthy penalty, getting six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. His suspension starts with the regular season and keeps him out of Tennessee’s first six games.
Pearce’s case stands out because of both the length of the ban and the role Atlanta had envisioned for him. The Falcons traded back into the first round to grab him, banking on his explosive edge-rushing ability to help fix their defensive issues. Instead, they’ll begin the 2026 regular season without him.
The league’s announcement also left the sense that more discipline could still be coming, with several players under review, including Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Packers running back Josh Jacobs. For now, though, Pearce’s situation is settled. Eight games on the sideline.
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