Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. faces a potential NFL suspension following a domestic violence incident from February 2026. The player entered a diversion program earlier this year to resolve multiple felony charges connected to the case. League officials are expected to announce disciplinary action before the start of the regular season.
The Falcons have already anticipated this outcome by adjusting Pearce’s position on their preseason depth chart. The defensive end now appears as a third-stringer, positioned behind Cameron Thomas and Azeez Ojulari, with Brandon Dorlus listed as the other starting defensive end option.
The demotion represents a significant shift from Pearce’s impressive rookie campaign in 2025, when he recorded 10.5 sacks and earned third-place recognition in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The depth chart placement clearly does not reflect his on-field performance level but rather signals preparation for his expected absence.
Pearce faced charges including felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with ramming his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle, as well as felony charges for fleeing police and resisting arrest, plus a stalking misdemeanor. Under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, domestic violence incidents typically result in a minimum six-game suspension.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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