Falcons Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr. Absent from Voluntary Offseason Workouts Amid Legal Issues
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that edge rusher James Pearce Jr. did not attend the team's voluntary offseason workouts on April 8, 2026. This absence follows Pearce's arrest in Miami on February 7 involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He currently faces three felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing police, alongside a misdemeanor stalking charge. While Stefanski emphasized the voluntary nature of the program and declined to discuss specific details regarding Pearce's representation, he noted ongoing communication. Running back Bijan Robinson, who attended the workouts, stated he has not spoken with Pearce since the arrest but expressed readiness to support him if he returns. The Falcons' front office has remained tight-lipped about the open legal matter, despite Pearce leading the team with 10.5 sacks in the previous season.
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Falcons Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr. Absent from Voluntary Offseason Workouts Amid Legal Issues
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that edge rusher James Pearce Jr. did not attend the team's voluntary offseason workouts on April 8, 2026. This absence follows Pearce's arrest in Miami on February 7 involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He currently faces three felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing police, alongside a misdemeanor stalking charge. While Stefanski emphasized the voluntary nature of the program and declined to discuss specific details regarding Pearce's representation, he noted ongoing communication. Running back Bijan Robinson, who attended the workouts, stated he has not spoken with Pearce since the arrest but expressed readiness to support him if he returns. The Falcons' front office has remained tight-lipped about the open legal matter, despite Pearce leading the team with 10.5 sacks in the previous season.
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