NFL hands down four suspensions before preseason action, with Falcons' James Pearce Jr. hit hardest — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- James Pearce Jr. received an 8-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after his Feb. 7 arrest, in which he allegedly chased his then-girlfriend in an SUV and rammed her vehicle before fleeing police; charges were resolved through a pre-trial intervention program
- Phidarian Mathis was suspended three games for violating the substance abuse policy, hitting Buffalo's defensive line depth behind starters Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, and T.J. Sanders
- Nazeeh Johnson drew a six-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy just one month after signing with the Titans following four seasons in Kansas City
- Dorance Armstrong Jr. received a one-game suspension for personal conduct policy violations tied to his Texas arrest on misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury and resisting arrest
- All four suspensions begin Aug. 30, meaning the players can fully participate in preseason games and activities
- Josh Jacobs and Puka Nacua avoided suspensions Friday despite an open domestic violence case and a civil gender violence lawsuit, respectively, though the NFL confirmed both situations remain under investigation
- Atlanta's loss is compounded by fellow pass rusher Jalon Walker suffering a torn ACL in training camp, leaving Cameron Thomas and Brandon Dorlus as the Falcons' top edge rushers
Why it matters: The Falcons lose their 2024 rookie sack leader (10.5 sacks) for more than half the season while already missing Jalon Walker to a torn ACL, leaving Cameron Thomas and Brandon Dorlus atop the depth chart. The league's decision not to suspend Jacobs and Nacua despite serious allegations signals those investigations remain active and could still produce discipline during the season.
Ask SkimNews
