Jonathon Cooper is back for the Broncos, but the NFL’s personal conduct review isn’t over

Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper returned to the team's roster on Friday after being removed from the commissioner's exempt list, which had kept him out of the first six games. He will be eligible to play in their upcoming match against Arizona on October 25. The NFL's personal conduct review, which began following two domestic violence arrests in June, is ongoing and not impacted by Cooper's status change.

Cooper faces multiple charges, including felony strangulation of his ex-girlfriend, with his trial set for March 2-4. Cooper expressed gratitude for the NFL and Denver Broncos' support, vowing to work on personal growth. Arrested on June 4 and again a week later for violating a protection order, Cooper's six-week absence would effectively count as time served up to six games.

However, he would need to reimburse any game checks received during his exemption, as suspended players cannot receive payments. If his suspension extends beyond six games, he would miss additional matches. Cooper, who earns $12 million this season, was permitted to attend meetings and work out at team headquarters but was ineligible to practice during his exempt list period.

He can resume practice under a one-week roster exemption following a long weekend. The Broncos' starting replacement, Jonah Ellis, may have suffered a serious injury in the final minute of Thursday night's game against the Seahawks. Ellis' right leg bent abnormally during a tackle and he did not weight his right leg when he hopped to the sideline.

The team has not yet provided further updates on Ellis' condition; he had contributed to five sacks of Sam Darnold in that match.