Falcons list James Pearce Jr. as third-string defensive end amid pending suspension
James Pearce Jr. appears as a third-string defensive end on the Falcons' depth chart as the NFL prepares to suspend him before the season starts.
The Atlanta Falcons listed James Pearce Jr. as the third defensive end on their 2026 preseason depth chart, trailing Cameron Thomas and Azeez Ojulari, with Brandon Dorlus as the other starter. Pearce entered a diversion program earlier this year to address several felony charges tied to a February 2026 domestic-violence episode, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer, plus a misdemeanor stalking count.
Under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, such offenses typically trigger a six-game suspension, and the league is expected to announce the penalty before the first week of the season. Pearce’s demotion is not based on merit; he recorded 10.5 sacks as a rookie in 2025 and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The team appears prepared for his absence, reflecting the pending disciplinary action in their roster decisions.
Why it matters
The pending suspension could affect the Falcons' defensive line and highlights the NFL's enforcement of its conduct policy.
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