When the Atlanta Falcons held their first 11-on-11 practice sessions during organized team activities (OTAs), rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was notably absent from participation. This absence led to questions about the status of the team’s first-round pick.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addressed these concerns, explaining that Pearce’s absence was part of a planned progression. “We had him on the side, ramping him up, as we call it when we get him in here,” Morris said. “We want to get everybody to a certain spot we want them to be before we get them out there in practice.”
Morris also noted that Pearce participated in 11-on-11 work during closed practices last week, which he described as beneficial for Pearce. Despite his absence from some drills, Pearce has been present at all open practices since joining the team as the No. 26 overall draft pick.
During a recent practice open to media, Pearce worked with the second-team defense alongside fellow edge rusher Jalon Walker and others. Defensive linemen Kentavius Street and Simeon Barrow Jr., along with outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone and LaCale London, were also part of these drills.
Several players were not present during the hour-long session, including wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., among others. Morris provided updates on injuries affecting some absentees.
Former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick made an appearance at practice, along with Chandler Whitmer, now serving as Indiana University’s quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator. The session also doubled as a coaching clinic for Georgia high school coaches.
A brief altercation occurred between offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron and defensive lineman David Onyemata during one of the periods but was quickly resolved after intervention by players and coaches.
The lineup for the first-team defense included players like David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zach Harrison, Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss in various positions along with secondary members such as Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell Jr.
Looking ahead, the Falcons have scheduled mandatory minicamp next week on June 10-11 with media access allowed.
