Josh Jacobs and Jonathon Cooper to be removed from NFL exemption list and eligible for Week 7 return

The league announced that two players would be removed from the NFL’s exempt list in the coming days. Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper will be relieved of his duties on Friday, and Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs on Monday.

Cooper is eligible to play in Denver’s Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals, and Jacobs is expected to be eligible to play in Green Bay’s Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN.

“The league’s review of Josh Jacobs and Jonathon Cooper’s situations ‘remains ongoing’ and is not affected by the change in either player’s status,” the report said.

Players on the commissioner’s exempt list continue to be paid. If the NFL subsequently suspends either player, the league could credit the missed games on the exempt list toward the suspension and seek reimbursement for salary earned during that time. Being on the list means players cannot attend practices or games.

Cooper was dismissed from minicamp and was placed on the roster before the season following two arrests involving an alleged domestic violence incident with his ex-girlfriend in June. He faces five charges, including second-degree criminal assault. His trial was postponed from mid-November to early March.

Cooper has spent his entire career thus far with the Broncos, who drafted him in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jacobs was charged with two misdemeanors, battery and property damage, during an arrest in May. Jacobs filed suit seeking to prevent the public disclosure of evidence related to the case, including the purported video of the incident. Jacobs’ attorney released a statement saying he “accepts responsibility for his actions” and said he is “excited to get back on the field with his teammates.”

Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers ahead of the 2024 season and is now in his third year with the team. The All-Pro was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders 24th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.

In his absence, RB Marshawn Lloyd led the team with just 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Kaleb Johnson is second on the team with 106 yards.

While both players are eligible to return in Week 7, that decision is ultimately up to the coaches and players involved.