June 15, 2026, 7:36 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
According to a report from ESPN<\/a>, Atlanta Falcons<\/a> edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has returned to Flowery Branch for the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp. This is the first real update we’ve received regarding the Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist since he was charged with three felonies back in February.<\/p>\n Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has refrained from commenting on Pearce, but it appears the second-year pass rusher will be a regular participant when the team returns to the practice field on Tuesday. Pearce’s charges, which stem from an offseason arrest for stalking his ex-girlfriend, could be wiped away.<\/p>\n “Those charges will be dropped if Pearce stays out of trouble for the next year, passes random drug tests and remains compliant with a mental health treatment program,” wrote ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.<\/p>\n However, Pearce could (and likely will) be suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. As of Monday, the league has yet to make an official determination. That means Pearce could be held without restriction at mandatory minicamp this week.<\/p>\n NFL reacts to James Pearce returning for minicamp<\/p>\n Those around the NFL had varying opinions on Pearce’s return to Falcons minicamp.<\/p>\n