Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper removed from NFL’s exempt list, eligible for week 7 game

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- The NFL has removed Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper from the Commissioner Exempt List. Cooper will now be eligible to play in the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals.

According to the NFL, Cooper was first placed on the exempt list on August 30. Cooper was placed on the exempt list following an arrest for domestic violence and criminal mischief that stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend.

The exempt list allowed Cooper temporary paid leave from active play.

Cooper pled not guilty to a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge in June, according to our Denver news partners. 9News reported the charges against the woman involved in the domestic violence incident with Cooper had her charges dropped in July.

Cooper and the woman were arrested in June on domestic violence charges stemming from an incident over cheating allegations, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by 9News. A protection order was also placed against Cooper from contacting his girlfriend.

The affidavit claimed Cooper grabbed the woman's arm and took back his phone, and at some point during the altercation "braced his neck against [her] neck to prevent her from getting his phone," the affidavit reads.

Cooper had been released on a $5,000 recognizance bond before allegedly sending the woman several texts and going to her home, violating a court order, a few days after his first arrest, according to our Denver news partners.

ABC News reports Cooper's trial was moved to March 2-4 of 2027. He was originally scheduled to appear in November for his charges. ABC News says he faces several charges, including one for felony strangulation of his then-girlfriend.

The Broncos' next game is on October 25.

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