Falcons coach explains recent mystery surrounding former Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce

It was a bit of a surprise last week when former Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce wasn't seen participating in team activities at Atlanta Falcons OTAs. 

Pearce, a first round selection by the Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, isn't believed to be injured. And he signed his rookie contract in early May. 

So what was the reason for Peace's mysterious absence from 11-on-11 work in team periods during an important time for rookies? 

According to Falcons defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Pearce wasn't seen in the team periods that were open to the media last week because Atlanta is ramping up the former Vol. 

"He was incorporated (into team periods) last week," said Morris. "The last time you guys (media) were out there in a full capacity, he did not go with the whole full group. We had him on the side ramping him up, as we call it when we get [players] in here. We want to get everybody to a certain spot that we want them to be before we get them out there practicing. We don't like to just throw people into drills....he was one of the [guys] that we were ramping him up. And we got him going in team (periods) last week when you guys were not around -- which is really good for him. And then we got a chance to get back into it today, so you'll see him out there today in all team periods." 

The plan is different for every rookie in the NFL. There's nothing wrong with Pearce, he's just simply on a different plan than some of his teammates.