NFL places three players on commissioner's exempt list to start season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 6:08 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
The NFL placed Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold, Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, and Packers running back Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list as the 2026 season begins. This administrative designation bars the three players from team practices and games while they navigate ongoing legal matters. Arnold faces charges of kidnapping and robbery in Florida, while Cooper is set for a November trial regarding felony assault by strangulation. Jacobs faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge following an arrest in May. While on the list, players continue to receive their full salaries and may attend team meetings or workouts at facilities. Commissioner Roger Goodell maintains the authority to determine when or if these players may return to active rosters, depending on the resolution of their respective legal cases.
- •Terrion Arnold, Jonathon Cooper, and Josh Jacobs are prohibited from games and practices.
- •The commissioner’s exempt list functions as administrative leave with full pay.
- •Jonathon Cooper is scheduled for a jury trial on November 10.
- •Terrion Arnold faces kidnapping and robbery charges involving three men.
- •Josh Jacobs is accused of misdemeanor domestic battery following an incident in May.
- 6:08 PMYahoo Sports — Exempt list puts unsavory story lines on display amid the NFL's much-hyped openers
"As the NFL prepares to celebrate defending Super Bowl champion Seattle and then make a much-anticipated debut in Melbourne, Australia, the league won’t be able to avoid some unsavory story lines. The NFL placed three players, including one who otherwise might be starring in that marquee opener, on the commissioner’s exempt list to begin the season. Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold, Denver linebacker Jonathon Cooper and Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs are navigating serious legal situations that could keep them off the field for weeks, months or maybe the rest of the year.
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