What happened: The NFL suspended Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. eight games without pay for violating the personal-conduct policy, the league announced Friday. The league called the decision final; Pearce will not appeal. He remains eligible to play preseason games, including Friday's opener against the Denver Broncos, before the suspension begins Aug. 30.

Why it matters: The case traces to a February dispute involving Rickea Jackson, who Pearce faces three felony charges over — aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting an officer with violence. Atlanta is already without 2025 first-rounder Jalon Walker for the season after a training-camp ACL tear, thinning the Falcons' edge rotation further once Pearce sits.

What to watch: Pearce is reinstated Nov. 2 and eligible to play Nov. 8 when the Falcons face the Bengals in Madrid.