NFL enforces disciplinary measures with four suspensions ahead of preseason
The National Football League has issued suspensions to four players for policy violations, with penalties commencing on 30 August. The league also confirmed that investigations remain open regarding domestic and gender violence allegations involving two other prominent players.
The National Football League has finalised disciplinary actions for four players ahead of the commencement of the 2026 preseason, with all suspensions set to begin on 30 August. The penalties, issued in accordance with league conduct and substance policies, affect players across multiple franchises and will impact roster compositions for the start of the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr has received the most significant penalty, an eight-game suspension without pay for violating the personal conduct policy. The sanction follows an arrest in February involving charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing police. Pearce entered a pretrial intervention program, under which the felony charges will be dismissed if he remains out of legal trouble for one year and passes random drug tests. He is eligible for reinstatement on 2 November and has not appealed the decision.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis was suspended for the first three games of the season for a substance abuse policy violation. Mathis, who re-signed with Buffalo on a one-year deal, is eligible for reinstatement on 28 September. Tennessee Titans cornerback Nazeeh Johnson received a six-game suspension for a performance-enhancing substances violation, with reinstatement eligibility set for 19 October. Johnson, who joined the Titans last month, is currently listed as a third-string cornerback.
Washington Commanders pass rusher Dorance Armstrong was suspended for one game for a personal conduct violation. Armstrong was arrested in Texas last year on misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury and resisting arrest. He is currently recovering from a torn ACL sustained last season and is listed as a second-string pass rusher on the Commanders' depth chart.
While these four players face immediate suspensions, the league confirmed that Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua did not receive suspensions but remain subjects of ongoing investigations. Jacobs was arrested this offseason on domestic violence charges, while Nacua faces a civil lawsuit alleging gender violence, assault, and battery. The NFL has not yet concluded these inquiries.
The suspensions allow the affected players to participate in all preseason activities and games prior to the 30 August start date. For the Atlanta Falcons, the loss of Pearce is notable given his rookie record of 10.5 sacks and the concurrent injury to fellow pass rusher Jalon Walker. The league's disciplinary actions underscore its continued enforcement of conduct standards as teams prepare for the regular season.
