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10/16/2026 04:15:00
Printable Page
10/16 16:13 CDT Jonathon Cooper is back for the Broncos, but the NFL's personal
conduct review isn't over
Jonathon Cooper is back for the Broncos, but the NFL's personal conduct review
isn't over
By ARNIE STAPLETON
AP Pro Football Writer
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) --- Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper was
removed Friday from the commissioner's exempt list, which had kept him out of
the team's first six games. He'll be eligible to play in the Broncos' next game
at Arizona on Oct. 25.
The league said its review of Cooper's conduct for potential violation of its
personal conduct policy after a pair of domestic violence arrests in June
remains ongoing and is unaffected by Cooper's status change.
Cooper faces numerous charges, including one of felony strangulation of his
then-girlfriend. His trial has been scheduled for March 2-4.
"Playing in the NFL and representing the Denver Broncos is a privilege I do not
take for granted," Cooper posted on Instagram shortly after his reinstatement.
"I'm grateful to ownership, my teammates, coaches and everyone in the
organization for their support as well as Commissioner (Roger) Goodell and the
league for the opportunity to return.
"Over the last several months, I've spent a lot of time working to better
myself. That work will continue," Cooper added. "My focus is on being the best
person, father, teammate and member of this community I can be. I will show
that commitment through my actions every day."
Cooper was placed on the exempt list on Aug. 30 and missed Denver's first six
games. The Broncos are coming off a 17-14 win over the Seattle Seahawks on
Thursday night that improved their record to 4-2.
Cooper, 28, was arrested on June 4 following an argument and physical
confrontation with his then-girlfriend that eventually resulted in a felony
charge of strangulation. He was arrested again a week later after violating a
protection order by trying to contact the woman, according to the arrest
affidavit.
If Cooper is ultimately suspended by the league, his six-week absence would
essentially be time already served up to six games. But he would have to repay
any game checks he received while on the exempt list because suspended players
can't be paid. If any suspension exceeds six games, he'd have to miss more
games.
Cooper, who's making $12 million this season, had been allowed to attend
meetings and work out at team headquarters but was ineligible to practice
during his time on the exempt list. He can resume practicing under a one-week
roster exemption when the team returns from a long weekend next week.
Cooper's replacement in the starting lineup, Jonah Ellis, appeared to suffer a
potentially serious injury in the final minute of regulation Thursday night
when he was rushing Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Ellis' right leg bent
back awkwardly on the play and he hopped to the sideline, never putting any
weight on his right leg.
The Broncos have provided no updates on the status of Ellis, who had one of
five sacks of Darnold on Thursday night.
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See AP's full NFL coverage here
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