A Return to the Field
The NFL announced on Friday that Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper have been removed from the Commissioner Exempt List. Both players, who were initially placed on the list on August 30, are now eligible to rejoin their respective teams as the 2026 season enters its mid-October stretch. While the roster status change allows for their immediate return to team activities, the league noted that its ongoing investigations under the Personal Conduct Policy remain active and unaffected by this decision.
Impact on the Packers and Broncos
The return of Josh Jacobs provides a significant boost to a Green Bay offense that has struggled to establish a consistent ground game during his absence. Through the first five games of the season, the Packers recorded an NFL-low 60.4 rushing yards per game, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. Jacobs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is expected to be available for Green Bay's Week 7 divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions on October 25.
Defensive Reinforcements in Denver
For the Denver Broncos, the return of Jonathon Cooper arrives as the team maintains a 4-2 record following a recent victory on Thursday Night Football. Cooper, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has become a staple of the Denver pass rush, recording at least eight sacks in each of the past three seasons. He is eligible to return to the field immediately, with his first opportunity to play coming in Denver's upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Looking Ahead
While both players are now permitted to practice and participate in games, the league's disciplinary process continues. Under the NFL's conduct policy, any games missed while on the exempt list may be credited toward a potential future suspension if the league determines further action is necessary. For now, both organizations are focused on integrating their veteran players back into the lineup as they push toward the second half of the season.
