Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is back with the team and expected to take part in minicamp, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, while his situation remains under review under the NFL personal conduct policy.
ESPN reported that Pearce had been away from the Falcons' facility since his February arrest on charges that included aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The report said the charges stemmed from allegations that Pearce rammed his vehicle into a car driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Pearce Expected At Falcons Minicamp
Pearce, 22, is not expected to speak to reporters during minicamp, according to ESPN. The Falcons' minicamp practices are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The return gives Atlanta one of its young defensive starters back in the building for organized team work, but it does not close the league matter. ESPN quoted NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy as saying Pearce's situation remains under review under the personal conduct policy.
That distinction is important because the ESPN report does not say the NFL has completed its review, issued discipline or cleared Pearce. It says he is back with the team while the policy review continues.
Florida Court Approved Diversion Program
ESPN reported that Pearce was approved last month by a Florida court for a one-year diversion program, avoiding trial. The report said the 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.
The article also said Jackson filed a petition for a protective order in February and later dropped it in lieu of the intervention program. Pearce must stay away from Jackson for a year as part of that program, ESPN reported.
ESPN said the February incident occurred near a Doral, Florida, police station. The report said Pearce allegedly fled in his car after police responded, then crashed and fled on foot.
Falcons Get Rookie Record Holder Back In Building
On the field, Pearce is a significant player for Atlanta. ESPN reported that he had 10.5 sacks last season, a Falcons rookie record, and finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
That production explains why his minicamp status matters beyond attendance. The Falcons are getting a key edge rusher back into team activities, while the legal and league-policy pieces remain tied to a process that ESPN says is still open.