Falcons DC addresses James Pearce Jr. situation

The Atlanta Falcons might be without one of their key pieces to start the Kevin Stefanski era.

Star rookie James Pearce Jr. is reportedly facing significant jail time after being arrested on Feb. 7 for an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson.

Pearce is facing charges of aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Considering that, Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich admitted that there's a chance they will have to prepare to be without him going forward.

Jeff Ulbrich addresses James Pearce Jr. situation

“I was obviously disappointed, Ulbrich said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “It’s an unfortunate situation. Just don’t have all the details of it yet and where this thing will go, so we’ll see. It’s still so early. We’re not there yet either way.”

Things don't look good for the former first-round pick. He was released on a $20,500 bond, but Jackson will reportedly testify against him in a domestic violence case, according to The Athletic. 

He had a Defensive Rookie of the Year-caliber first season in the league, logging 26 tackles (17 solo), 16 QB hits, 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, five passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery while appearing in all 17 games, per Football Reference.

The Falcons' pass-rush was in big need of a push. They might now be back to square one this offseason, and they won't have a first-round pick to address that need.