Here's the latest on Jonathon Cooper's roster status with the Broncos

Jonathon Cooper has an arraignment date for his felony assault case scheduled for Aug. 31 , which is one day after the Denver Broncos are set to finalize their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season.

After that arraignment, if Cooper's case goes to trial, it could be months away from a resolution. Cooper could face a potential suspension from the NFL, but the league likely won't make a decision on a potential suspension until after the legal process has been completed.

In the meantime, the NFL could place Cooper on the commissioner's exempt list, but the Broncos have not yet heard a decision from the league.

"I don't know," Payton said on Wednesday when asked if he expects to have clarity from the NFL on Cooper's status before the roster deadline. "In other words, I don't know, and you always want clarity, but I think we'll find out soon and you'll find out probably right when I do."

If the NFL places Cooper on the commissioner's exempt list, he could not practice or play in games, but the pass rusher would still be paid and he would be allowed at the team's facility for meetings, conditioning and weight training. Cooper would not count against the 53-man roster if on the exempt list.

"We continue to monitor all legal developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy,'' NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to 9News.

Cooper, 28, is facing five total charges related to two alleged incidents involving his former girlfriend: (1) second-degree assault: strangulation (felony); (2) third-degree assault: knowingly or recklessly causing injury; (3) criminal mischief; (4) violating a protective order; and (5) harassment (repeated phone calls).

Cooper practiced with the Broncos for all of training camp and he played in the first two preseason games. If Cooper is eventually suspended or placed on the exempt list, Denver's remaining top outside linebackers would be Nik Bonitto , Jonah Elliss , Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman .

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