NFL Suspends 4 Players During Massive Crackdown On Friday
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The NFL handed down four suspensions Friday, with Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. receiving the longest ban.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pearce will miss eight regular-season games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The suspension stems from Pearce’s February arrest in Doral, Florida. Authorities arrested him 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 attempted to reach a police station. Police later pursued Pearce after he allegedly fled, crashed and ran from the vehicle.
Pearce joined Atlanta as the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He immediately showed why the Falcons invested heavily in his pass-rushing ability.
The former Tennessee star recorded 10.5 sacks and 26 tackles during his rookie season. His eight-game absence now creates another problem for Atlanta’s defense.
The Falcons already expect to play without linebacker Jalon Walker after he suffered an ACL injury. Atlanta’s decision to acquire Pearce had already carried significant expectations entering his second season.
Three More NFL Players Also Received Suspensions
Elsewhere, Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis has received a three-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. His suspension will cover Buffalo’s first three regular-season games.
That leaves the Bills without Mathis against the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers.
Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong also received a one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The league has not publicly detailed the underlying conduct in its announcement.
Armstrong produced 5.5 sacks in seven games last season. His absence will affect Washington’s defensive rotation for its season opener.
Tennessee Titans safety Nazeeh Johnson received the other lengthy suspension. The NFL suspended him for six games after he violated its performance-enhancing substances policy.
Johnson’s suspension begins with the regular season and will keep him unavailable for Tennessee’s first six contests.
Pearce’s Absence Could Create A Major Challenge
Pearce’s suspension stands apart from the other three because of both its length and his role.
Atlanta selected him in the first round after trading back into the opening round. The Falcons viewed his explosive pass-rushing ability as a potential solution to their defensive problems.
Now, Atlanta will be without him for half of the schedule.
The NFL’s Friday announcement also shows how much disciplinary uncertainty remains around the league. Several players remain under review for potential discipline, including Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Packers running back Josh Jacobs.
For Pearce and the Falcons, however, the uncertainty has ended.
He knows exactly what awaits him when the 2026 regular season begins. Eight games on the sideline.
