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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Present for minicamp
Pearce was present for his physical Monday prior to the Atlanta Falcons' mandatory minicamp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.The report notes that Pearce has entered a diversion program to resolve to his legal matter stemming from a Feb. 7 incident which included being charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy indicated to ESPN on Monday that Pearce's situation "remains under review of the (league's) personal conduct policy." As a rookie last year, Pearce -- who is on track to take the field during this week's minicamp -- recorded 26 tackles, including 10.5 sacks, in 17 regular-season games.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Arrested on battery charges
Pearce was arrested in Florida on Saturday on two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and a count of aggravated stalking, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.Pearce was also charged with fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence to his person before being booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Given the nature of his changes, Pearce is expected to face discipline from the NFL, though the league will likely wait to make any such determination until more information emerges and the legal process plays out. Shortly after Pearce's arrest, the Atlanta Falcons acknowledged in a statement that they are aware of the incident and are in the process of gathering more information on the matter, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting after tallying 26 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery while playing in all 17 games during his first season in the league.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Dazzles during rookie season
Pearce tallied 26 total tackles (17 solo), including 10.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season games in 2025.Pearce, a 2025 first-round pick from Tennessee, was one of the NFL's premier pass rushers during his rookie campaign, leading all rookies with 10.5 sacks and tying for the 12th most in the league. The 22-year-old made a significant impact on Atlanta's defense, helping the Atlanta Falcons finish with the second-most sacks in the NFL (57.0) after ranking 24th in the same category last season. Pearce is expected to line up opposite fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker in 2026, forming one of league's most promising pass-rush duos.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Cleared to face Rams
Pearce (neck) was a full participant in Saturday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Monday's game against the Rams.Pearce began Week 17 as a limited participant at practice before upgrading to full reps Saturday. The rookie first-round pick's availability versus Los Angeles on Monday will provide the Atlanta Falcons' pass rush with a much-needed boost, as across 15 regular-season appearances thus far, Pearce has racked up 22 tackles (14 solo), including a team-high 8.5 sacks. He's also logged five pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Limited in practice Friday
Pearce (neck) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Atlanta Falcons' official site reports.Pearce's ability to practice in a limited capacity bodes well for the linebacker's chance of playing Monday. The rookie first-rounder will have one more chance to upgrade his practice participation to full in the hope of dodging an injury designation ahead of the contest.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Estimated as limited participant
Pearce (neck) is listed as limited on Thursday's estimated practice report, Tori McElhaney of the Atlanta Falcons' official site reports.Atlanta didn't officially hold an on-field practice Thursday, but Pearce's status will nonetheless need to be monitored leading up to Monday's game against the Rams. The rookie first-round pick will have two more opportunities to prove he's able to handle full practice reps prior to being assigned a potential injury designation for Monday Night Football.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Productive in win
Pearce registered two tackles (one solo), including 0.5 sacks, in Atlanta's win over the Cardinals on Sunday.Pearce combined with Brandon Dorlus to bring down Jacoby Brissett for one of the team's two sacks. The 22-year-old continues to have a strong rookie season, as he's now racked up 22 tackles (14 solo), including 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery across 15 games played.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Cleared to play vs. Arizona
Pearce (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Tori McElhaney of the Atlanta Falcons' official site reports.Pearce popped up on Friday's injury report as a DNP due to a foot injury, but he's been cleared to play Sunday after going through pregame warmups. The rookie first-rounder is on a six-game sack streak, accumulating 7.5 sacks over that span.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Questionable with foot issue
Pearce (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.Pearce was added to the injury report Friday with a foot issue that prevented him from practicing, leaving his status for Sunday's game in question. If the outside linebacker has to miss his first game of the 2025 campaign, Arnold Ebiketie will likely see more defensive snaps with the Atlanta Falcons' linebacker corps.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Falcons' James Pearce: Extends sack streak Thursday
Pearce recorded three total tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, and two passes defensed during Thursday's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.Pearce was one of five Atlanta Falcons to get after the quarterback during Thursday's divisional win, bringing down Baker Mayfield in the first and second quarters. The 2025 first-round pick from Tennessee is beginning to emerge as a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, having recorded at least one full sack in each of Atlanta's last six games. His next opportunity to rush the passer will likely come in the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.