NFL places Jonathon Cooper on commissioner exempt list following criminal charges

The NFL placed Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner exempt list Sunday, following his recent legal issues. Cooper faces five charges in Douglas County, including second-degree felony assault by strangulation and criminal mischief, stemming from two incidents involving his then-girlfriend this summer. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday, with a jury trial scheduled for November 10. While on the exempt list, Cooper is barred from practicing or playing, though he remains eligible to attend team meetings and use facility resources. The move occurred before the league’s 4 p.m. roster cutdown deadline, allowing Denver to maintain its current roster without making additional cuts. The Broncos have adjusted their depth chart, moving Jonah Elliss into a starting role opposite Nik Bonitto, with Dondrea Tillman and Que Robinson expected to handle increased rotational duties.

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