James Pearce Jr. Suspended for Eight Games Following Felony Charges

The NFL has announced an eight-game suspension for Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. due to felony charges stemming from a domestic incident in February. The suspension, which is without pay, will commence on August 30, barring a successful appeal.

Pearce will be eligible to play again on November 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid if his appeal is unsuccessful. He can participate in preseason games during the suspension period. The charges against him include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing the police, and resisting an officer with violence, all related to an altercation with his former girlfriend, Rickea Jackson.

If Pearce completes a 12-month pretrial intervention program, the charges may be dropped. His attorney stated that Pearce is committed to addressing his mental health and fulfilling the program's requirements, which include staying away from Jackson and undergoing therapy. The Falcons are also missing another edge rusher, Jalon Walker, for the season due to a torn ACL.