Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed James Pearce Jr.'s return to the team this week, four months after the edge rusher's domestic violence arrest in Florida. Pearce was arrested in February following an incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, but has since been accepted into a court-approved diversion program.

While Pearce will participate in individual work and weight room sessions, he will not join team drills during this week's mandatory minicamp. The NFL has not yet announced discipline, though the league spokesperson indicated Pearce's situation remains under review under the personal conduct policy. Pearce's legal charges will be dropped if he remains compliant with the one-year diversion program.

The 2024 defensive rookie record holder with 10.5 sacks missed the entire offseason program. Stefanski emphasized that Pearce understands expectations for both on and off-field conduct, expressing confidence in integrating him back into the locker room environment. Pearce must also maintain distance from Jackson for the duration of the program.