NFL Players Jacobs and Cooper Emerge from Commissioner's Exempt List Amid Ongoing Investigations
Both players, previously sidelined due to domestic violence allegations, are eligible to return to play but remain under league scrutiny.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper have been removed from the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List, clearing them to resume playing as league investigations into domestic abuse allegations continue.
Cooper is eligible to play in the Broncos' Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals, while Jacobs will be available for the Packers' Week 7 matchup with the Detroit Lions. Both players had missed the start of their respective seasons while on the Commissioner's Exempt List.
Despite their return to the field, both players are subject to potential further discipline from the NFL should new information emerge from the ongoing investigations into their offseason arrests. The league's Personal Conduct Policy allows for sanctions based on the outcomes of these probes.
Jacobs' situation is somewhat more resolved. On September 10, he reached a plea agreement, pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a case involving his ex-girlfriend. He was ordered to pay a fine, attend counseling, and pay restitution for damaged property. If he complies with these conditions for one year, the property damage charge will be dismissed. He was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List in connection with these allegations.
Cooper faces a more uncertain legal and league future. He was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List following two domestic violence-related arrests in June 2026. The initial arrest occurred after an argument with his then-girlfriend, which led to a criminal mischief charge. Authorities later alleged Cooper violated a protective order against him, resulting in additional charges including second-degree assault by strangulation, third-degree assault, and harassment. Cooper has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
A pretrial hearing and a motions hearing are scheduled for February, with a trial tentatively slated for March. The outcome of Cooper's trial could lead to further disciplinary action from the NFL at the start of the 2027 season. Cooper had missed six games due to his suspension. Jacobs was also poised to miss his sixth game before his removal from the list.