Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Cooper could be back on the field soon.
The NFL is removing the Green Bay Packers running back and the Denver Broncos linebacker from the commissioner's exempt list, the league announced Friday.
Both players will be eligible to return to action in Week 7.
Jacobs and Cooper were placed on the commissioner's exempt list in August because of off-season incidents.
Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanour charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
Jacobs’ lawyers — Clarence F. Duchac III, David Z. Chesnoff and Richard A. Schonfeld — issued a statement on his behalf following the NFL’s announcement.
“Josh has dedicated the last several months to bettering himself, and he accepts responsibility for his actions,” they said. “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, 28, was arrested on June 4 following an argument and physical confrontation with his then-girlfriend that eventually resulted in a felony charge of strangulation. He was arrested again a week later after violating a protection order by trying to contact the woman, according to the arrest affidavit.
“Over the last several months, I've spent a lot of time working to better myself. That work will continue,” Cooper added. “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 league’s review of both the Jacobs and Cooper situations “remains ongoing” and is not affected by the change to either player’s status, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. The NFL could still add further discipline if and when warranted, Schefter added.
Players continue to get paid while on the commissioner’s exempt list. Upon request and with the club’s permission, they also can be present at the club’s facility on a reasonable basis for meetings, individual workouts, therapy and rehabilitation and other permitted non-football activities.
Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. That followed a 2024 season in which Jacobs ran for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns while earning his third Pro Bowl selection.
The 28-year-old has rushed for 7,803 yards and 74 touchdowns in his seven-year career, which included five seasons with the Raiders. He earned All-Pro honours and had an NFL-leading 1,653 rushing yards with Las Vegas in 2022.
Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2021, is in his sixth season with the Broncos. He has started every game since 2023 and has 31 1/2 career sacks, including eight last season.
The Broncos improved to 4-2 with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, while the Packers have started 3-2.
— With files from the Associated Press
