NFL removing Packers RB Josh Jacobs, Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper from Commissioner Exempt List
The NFL announced on Friday that it is removing Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper from the Commissioner Exempt List.
Jacobs will come off the exempt list on Oct. 19 and be eligible to play in the Packers' Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions, per a statement released by the league, while Cooper was removed on Friday and will also be eligible to play again in Week 7, in time for Denver's tilt with the Arizona Cardinals.
Jacobs and Cooper were both initially placed on the exempt list on Aug. 30. The NFL's reviews of their legal situations remain ongoing.
Jacobs was arrested in Wisconsin in May on five charges that included felony strangulation following an altercation with his girlfriend. He eventually pleaded no contest on Sept. 10 to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
On Oct. 15, Jacobs filed a lawsuit seeking to have evidence in his case permanently sealed.
"Josh has dedicated the last several months to bettering himself, and he accepts responsibility for his actions," his attorneys said in a statement obtained by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "He is excited to get back to work and on the field with his teammates. Josh is grateful for the support he is receiving from his teammates, coaches, the Packers organization, and the greatest fans in the world.
"Since there are ongoing legal matters, he will not have any further comment."
Cooper was arrested in Colorado in June for domestic violence and criminal mischief following an argument with his girlfriend. Prosecutors later dropped charges against his girlfriend and added charges against Cooper, which included a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation, and granted the woman involved in the incident a protection order.
Cooper pleaded not guilty in his domestic violence case on June 9, but on June 12 was arrested on multiple charges that he violated the aforementioned protection order through harassment from repeated phone calls. His trial date was recently moved to March, with a pretrial scheduled for Feb. 19.
"Playing in the NFL and representing the Denver Broncos is a privilege I do not take for granted," Cooper said Friday in a statement posted to Instagram. "I’m grateful to ownership, my teammates, coaches and everyone in the organization for their support as well as Commissioner Goodell and the league for the opportunity to return.
"Over the last several months, I’ve spent a lot of time working to better myself. That work will continue.
"My focus is on being the best person, father, teammate and member of this community I can be. I will show that commitment through my actions every day."
The Packers have gone 3-2 in Jacobs' absence and currently have the 32nd-ranked rushing offense in the league. Denver currently sits at 4-2, having defeated the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.