NFL reinstates James Pearce Jr. after eight-game suspension: Why EDGE returns at critical time for Falcons

Pearce’s insertion into the lineup could be the lift the Falcons need to emerge as the NFC South’s top team

The NFL reinstated Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. on Monday, ending the eight-game suspension it handed down before the season began. Pearce will be eligible to play in Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, and coach Kevin Stefanski said last week that the plan is for him to see action in the Week 9 contest. Stefanski said upon Pearce's reinstatement, though, that it is too early to tell how much he will play in his first game back. The Falcons released Jared Ivey and Drake Jackson in corresponding moves with Pearce's activation to the 53-man roster. Pearce's legal troubles early in the 2026 offseason resulted in a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy, the league ruled.

He was arrested on Feb. 7 following a domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson, who stars for the WNBA's Chicago Sky. After his arrest, Pearce faced three felony charges: Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person. He also faced a felony aggravated stalking charge, but that was later changed to a misdemeanor. A charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. Pearce entered a 12-month pre-trial program, and once it is complete, all the charges will be dismissed. He must also