Sports · American Football · 3 hrs ago
Falcons' James Pearce Jr. reinstated after eight-game suspension
The NFL reinstated Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. on Monday after an eight-game suspension.
He is expected to play against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid on Sunday, though coach Kevin Stefanski has not said how much he will play.
The suspension followed a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy after Pearce's February arrest over an alleged dispute involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Pearce entered a pretrial diversion program, and the charges are to be dropped if he meets its conditions.
His return could strengthen Atlanta's pass rush, which ranks seventh in the league in quarterback pressure rate even without him.
Pearce is expected to return to practice Wednesday, and the Falcons have made room for him on their roster.
The NFL reinstated Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. on Monday after an eight-game suspension.
Pearce is eligible to play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Madrid.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Pearce is expected to play but that his workload is not yet clear.
The suspension followed a league finding that Pearce violated its personal conduct policy.
Pearce’s legal case followed his February arrest and his entry into a pretrial program.
- Who
- James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons.
- What
- The NFL reinstated him after an eight-game suspension.
- When
- Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
- Where
- Atlanta, Georgia; Pearce is eligible to play Sunday against the Bengals in Madrid.
- Why
- The NFL suspended him for violating its personal conduct policy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pearce was arrested following a domestic dispute involving Rickea Jackson.
The NFL suspended Pearce for eight games for violating its personal conduct policy.
Pearce returned to the Falcons but could not practice during his suspension.
The NFL reinstated Pearce and the Falcons activated him to their 53-man roster.
- Suspension
- Eight games
- Reinstatement
- Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
- Next eligible game
- Cincinnati Bengals, in Madrid
- Team
- Atlanta Falcons
- Pretrial program
- 12 months in CBS Sports; one year in ESPN
2 sources
What people are saying
He's done everything that we've asked him, everything that he's been allowed to do
I see it as a positive to add a good player to the mix