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 stay out of legal trouble for a six-month period and attend therapy sessions as part of the agreement he and his representation reached in the case. During the legal proceedings, Pearce remained in communication with the Falcons and remained in good enough football shape to potentially be available for Week 9.
"He's done everything that we've asked him, everything that he's been allowed to do," Stefanski said on Monday. "He's done a great job." Expectations for the Atlanta defensive front heading into the first half of the season were modest given Pearce's suspension and the loss of fellow edge rusher Jalon Walker for the year due to a torn ACL. The second-year players combined for 16 sacks as rookies, and Pearce finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Fielding a defense without two young standouts figured to limit the Falcons' ability to pressure the pocket. Instead, they have done more than stay above water in that regard. The Falcons rank seventh in quarterback pressure rate despite blitzing on only 24.1% of snaps.
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