Content warning: The following article contains depictions of alleged domestic violence.
This season, the Denver Broncos’ defense has proven to be formidable, supporting a puzzling offense amid weeks of competition. Under the guidance of Vance Joseph, the defense has continued performing at the high level established last year.
It’s also gaining reinforcement midseason.
The NFL declared on Friday that outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been removed from the commissioner’s exempt list. Cooper, who sat out the first six games of the 2026 season due to two domestic incidents, is now set to play for the 4-2 Broncos in their Week 7 away game against the Arizona Cardinals on October 25.
“The NFL began an investigation under the personal conduct policy following Cooper’s arrests in June,” a statement from the league indicates, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “The league’s examination is ongoing and will not be influenced by this alteration in Cooper’s roster status.”
Cooper, now 28, was first arrested on June 4 after police were summoned to his apartment due to an alleged altercation with his then-girlfriend. As detailed by The Athletic, further scrutiny of the incident, including insights from a report by a nurse who evaluated the woman that night, led to Cooper facing a felony charge for second-degree assault by strangulation.
The nurse’s report indicated that the woman experienced “serious bodily injury” consistent with “strangulation with hypoxia” and “traumatic brain injury,” according to The Athletic, which referenced an arrest affidavit in its coverage.
His second arrest within a week occurred on June 11, when he was charged with violating a protection order implemented after the previous incident.
On August 31, the seventh-round draft selection from Ohio State in 2021 pleaded not guilty to all five charges leveled against him. He was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list the day before.
Notably, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was also taken off that list on Friday. On September 10, just under four months post his domestic abuse arrest, Jacobs entered a no contest plea to misdemeanor charges involving battery and criminal damage to property. He was reportedly found guilty of battery and fined $1,000. Additionally, as per ESPN, the 28-year-old Jacobs accepted a deferred judgment arrangement regarding the criminal damage to property charge.
Jacobs was reported to have been ordered to make restitution, attend counseling, refrain from contact with the alleged victim, and remain under supervision for one year.
When a player is on the commissioner’s exempt list, they receive full pay but are prohibited from practicing or participating in games. Time spent in this status can count as part of a suspension, however.
Regarding Cooper, he has a trial scheduled for March.
He participated in all three of Denver’s preseason matches and was even appointed a team captain for the Broncos’ last exhibition contest. Since the regular season began, he has reportedly been frequenting the team facility and attending meetings.
He is allowed to return to practice and play with the team next week as Denver gears up for its encounter with Arizona.
“Playing in the NFL and representing the Denver Broncos is a privilege I do not take for granted,” Cooper mentioned on Friday in an Instagram post.
“I’m thankful for the support from ownership, my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the organization, as well as to Commissioner Goodell and the league for the chance to come back.
“Over the past few months, I have dedicated much time to improving myself. This effort will persist. My aim is to be the best person, father, teammate, and member of this community. I will demonstrate this commitment through my actions daily.”
In 2024, Cooper penned a four-year contract extension reportedly valued at $60 million. This marks his sixth season with the Broncos.
He entered the latest offseason having started 17 games in each of the prior three seasons, achieving eight or more sacks in each of those years.
