The NFL has lifted the Commissioner’s Exempt List suspensions on Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, clearing both to return to their teams even as separate league investigations into domestic abuse allegations against them continue.
Cooper comes off the list immediately and is eligible to play in Denver’s Week 7 game at the Arizona Cardinals, since the Broncos already completed their Week 6 game. He had missed six games while sidelined.
Jacobs will come off the list Monday, after the Packers play their Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys. He is set to miss his sixth straight game this weekend before becoming eligible to play in Green Bay’s Week 7 matchup at the Detroit Lions.
Both players were placed on the exempt list this offseason following arrests connected to domestic abuse allegations involving their girlfriends. Though they can now play, the NFL says each remains under investigation, meaning either could face further discipline if new information surfaces.
Jacobs’ Case Largely Resolved
Jacobs’ situation is further along in the legal process. He struck a plea deal on Sept. 10, pleading no contest to two misdemeanor charges — battery and criminal damage to property — stemming from an incident involving his ex.
As part of the deal, Jacobs was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, attend counseling, pay restitution for damaged property, and have no further contact with the victim. If he satisfies those conditions for one year, the property damage charge will be dismissed.
Cooper Still Faces Trial
Cooper’s legal situation is more serious and unresolved. He was placed on the exempt list after two domestic-violence-related arrests in June 2026.
The first arrest came after an argument with his then-girlfriend over suspected cheating; both were arrested, and Cooper initially faced a criminal-mischief charge. Authorities say he later violated a protective order against him, leading to a second arrest on charges of second-degree assault by strangulation, third-degree assault, repeated-call harassment and violating the protective order.
Cooper has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial hearing and a motions hearing are each scheduled for February, with trial tentatively set for March. Depending on the outcome, Cooper could face another suspension under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy ahead of the 2027 season.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login