Falcons Adjust Depth Chart for James Pearce Jr. Amidst League Suspension Concerns
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been listed as a third-string player as the NFL anticipates a league suspension. Pearce entered a diversion program earlier this year to address multiple felony charges stemming from a February 2026 incident.
Key takeaways
- Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been listed as a third-string player on the team's depth chart.
- The league is expected to announce a suspension for Pearce before Week 1.
- Pearce entered a diversion program to resolve multiple felony charges from a February 2026 domestic violence incident.
- In his 2025 rookie season, Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks and was a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Atlanta Falcons have updated their preseason depth chart, placing defensive end James Pearce Jr. in the third-string position. This move appears to reflect the expectation of a forthcoming suspension from the league.
What Happened
James Pearce Jr. is currently a third-string defensive end for the Falcons, positioned behind Cameron Thomas and Azeez Ojulari. Brandon Dorlus is listed as the other starting defensive end. This placement is reportedly not based on athletic performance but rather on anticipated league action.
Background
Pearce previously faced multiple felony charges related to a domestic violence incident in February 2026. These charges included felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felony fleeing and eluding police, felony resisting an officer with violence, and a misdemeanor count of stalking. He entered a diversion program earlier this year to resolve these charges. As a rookie in 2025, Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks and finished third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy typically mandates a minimum six-game suspension for domestic violence offenses. The league is expected to announce its decision on Pearce's punishment before the start of Week 1.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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