Developing storyline

NFL players face legal trouble and exempt-list status in 2026

Multiple NFL players—including Broncos' Jonathon Cooper, Packers' Josh Jacobs and Colts' Keenan Allen—face arrests, charges or commissioner's exempt-list placement amid domestic-violence and DUI allegations as teams navigate roster and legal fallout during the 2026 season.

4 stories101 sourcesUpdated Aug 30, 2026

In this storyline:Jonathon Cooper Indianapolis Colts Green Bay Packers Denver Broncos Keenan Allen

Coverage momentum

total articles across this storyline · last 72h

Key developments

Aug 30, 2026
Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper is placed on the commissioner's exempt list after two June domestic-violence arrests, remaining paid but barred from practicing or playing.
13 sources on this →
Aug 30, 2026
Packers RB Josh Jacobs is formally charged with misdemeanor battery and property damage from a May disturbance, clouding his 2026 status.
62 sources on this →
Aug 30, 2026
Colts WR Keenan Allen is arrested on preliminary DWI charges in downtown Indianapolis just days after joining the team.
20 sources on this →
Aug 30, 2026
The Packers place Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List over the misdemeanor charges and trade for running back Kaleb Johnson to bolster the backfield.

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Photo: All-Pro Reels / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sports

Packers RB Jacobs Placed on Commissioner’s Exempt List

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been formally charged in Brown County with two misdemeanors—battery and criminal damage to property—arising from a May disturbance, with an initial court appearance set for November 17; prosecutors have not pursued felony counts, and the team has prepared for all outcomes, including the possibility of discipline. Reports note Jacobs’ arrest followed a domestic disturbance call and that the misdemeanor charges align with ongoing uncertainty about his status for the 2026 season.

62 sources

Sports

Packers Exempt Jacobs, Trade Kaleb Johnson

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List after being charged with two misdemeanors, prohibiting him from practicing or playing while the case is reviewed, though he will remain paid and may visit the facility by permission; amid the situation, the Packers pursued a backfield upgrade by trading for Kaleb Johnson. His future with the team remains uncertain as the league and team assess the off-field matters.

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Photo: U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jordan Thompson / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Sports

Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper placed on exempt list

The NFL placed Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner’s exempt list after two June arrests on domestic-violence charges, including second-degree assault and violations of a protection order; he will remain paid but cannot practice or play and will not count toward the 53-man roster while the case proceeds.

13 sources

Sports

Colts WR Arrest Details Expanded

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was arrested early Sunday in downtown Indianapolis on preliminary DWI charges, with reports noting two misdemeanor DUI offenses. Allen had just joined the Colts on August 19 and appeared in a preseason game, and the team said it is gathering more information.

20 sources