Following its move against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, the NFL has also placed Denver Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner’s exempt list, according to ESPN. Cooper will not be able to practice or play in any games while he’s on the list.
Cooper’s placement on the list follows two summer arrests stemming from domestic violence incidents involving his girlfriend. He faces five total charges, including second-degree felony assault and violation of a protection order. Cooper is scheduled to be in court on Monday.
Cooper cannot return to the field until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell officially reinstates him, but he could still be suspended as the league continues its investigation.
With Cooper now sidelined and the Broncos’ season opener on the horizon, Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman are next in line to fill the void on defense.
Cooper has been an important piece to the Broncos’ defense over the last few seasons. A 2021 seventh-round pick out of Ohio State, Cooper has logged 180 tackles, 27 sacks and two forced fumbles over the last three years.
The Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.
