Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper received word on an NFL decision on Sunday regarding his alleged off-field incidents in early June. Cooper landed on the commissioner's exempt list, which will allow him to still be paid, attend meetings and work out with the team, but not be able to attend games or practices with the team during this time. The placement of Cooper on the exempt list is not a suspension, but depending on how his legal fortunes shake out, a suspension could still be levied by the NFL in the future.
Broncos general manager George Paton addressed the ongoing process for Cooper, who was arraigned in court on Monday on five charges related to his felony assault case. Cooper entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, and a trial date was set for Nov. 10, 12 and 13.
"In regards to Jonathon being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, it’s part of the process," Paton said on Sunday. "We continue to take this very seriously. We’re going to monitor all the legal developments and continue to support Jonathon. Jonathon’s worked very hard to better himself, and it’ll be good to have him in the building, be in meetings and just be a part of the team.”
While on the commissioner's exempt list, Cooper's spot on the team will not count against the 53-man roster, allowing the Broncos to test the depth behind Cooper during his absence. Pass-rushers Jonah Elliss and Que Robinson will get ample opportunity to showcase their skills while Cooper is sidelined.
While Cooper aims to put his life (and ultimately his career) back on track, the Broncos will march onward toward the 2026 season. Their season begins on the road on Monday Night Football against their AFC West foe, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sept. 14.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos GM on Jonathon Cooper: ‘We continue to take this very seriously’
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