Broncos' Jonathon Cooper Eligible to Return from NFL Exempt List for Week 7 vs. Cardinals

The NFL removed Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper from the Commissioner Exempt List on Friday.

Cooper will be eligible to make his season debut during the Broncos' Week 7 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 25.

He was initially placed on the Commissioner's Exempt list on Aug. 30 and was barred from practicing or attending the team's games before he was reinstated.

Cooper is entering his sixth season as a member of the Broncos after they selected him with a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

He wrapped up a 2025 campaign in which he recorded 50 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, eight sacks and four passes defended in 17 games. The 28-year-old has amassed at least eight sacks in each of the past three years.

After advancing to the AFC Championship Game last season, the Broncos have opened 2026 with a 4-2 record. They're coming off a 17-14 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night.

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The Broncos still own one of the NFL's top defensive units this year, ranking No. 9 among all teams by allowing 20.8 points per game.

Kickoff between Denver and Arizona on Oct. 25 is at 4:05 p.m. ET.