The second-year edge rusher is back at the Falcons’ facility four months after his arrest and will participate in this week’s required minicamp, Yankee Scores reports.
This will be first time at the team’s Flowery Branch building since February.
Pearce isn’t expected to speak with the media during the sessions, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. returned to the team’s Flowery Branch training facility today for the first time since being charged with aggravated battery and fleeing law enforcement on Feb. 7.. Pearce is expected to take part in this week’s mandatory minicamp,… pic.twitter.com/tw6y9AcewM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2026
What Happened
Pearce was arrested on Feb. 7 after he allegedly rammed his car into his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle, Rickea Jackson, a WNBA player, several times.
Officers responded and Pearce allegedly fled in his car before crashing and then fleeing on foot.
He was charged with three felony counts: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence plus a misdemeanor count of stalking.
The Legal Path Forward
Pearce accepted an offer from Miami-Dade County to participate in a state-issued intervention program. The program has been set for one year at the request of the state. If he finishes it without any trouble, the charges against him will be dropped.
Pearce’s former girlfriend Rickea Jackson also dismissed the permanent restraining order she had previously pursued.
The NFL has not yet announced the end of its review of possible discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy, so Pearce may still be fined or suspended even if the court case is resolved.
What He Brings Back
Pearce is a real talent, in spite of the chaos off the field. He played in all 17 games as a rookie and posted 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and five passes defensed.
He was a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist and one of the promising young pass rushers in the league.
The Falcons will need him in top form in 2026 and getting him back on the field is the first step.
