Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Reports to Mandatory Minicamp

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has reported to the team's mandatory minicamp for the first time this offseason after resolving felony charges through a court-ordered diversion program. The 22-year-old former first-round pick will participate in conditioning and individual drills but will not take part in team periods during the three-day camp, which began Tuesday, June 16.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Pearce's limited role, citing the player's absence from the team's voluntary offseason program this spring. Pearce will work in the weight room and perform individual drills but will not be integrated into team settings immediately. Stefanski said he did not think it was fair to put Pearce into full team drills given his missed time.

Pearce's return follows a tumultuous offseason stemming from his arrest on February 7 near Miami following a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He faced three felony charges: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. A misdemeanor stalking charge was also filed.

In late April or May, Pearce agreed to enter a pretrial intervention...