Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-16**Lead**
The National Football League has lifted the indefinite suspensions imposed on Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, according to league officials on Wednesday. The decision comes after both players were placed on the Commissioner Exempt list earlier this month amid allegations of domestic abuse, but the NFL stated that further investigation is still ongoing and that the players are permitted to rejoin their teams effective immediately.
**Contexto**
Jacobs, 28, and Cooper, 27, were suspended without pay on October 2 after separate incidents were reported to league authorities. The NFL's personal conduct policy allows for immediate action when credible allegations surface, but also mandates a thorough review before any final disciplinary measures are taken. In a joint statement released Wednesday, the league said that "after a careful review of the available evidence and consultation with legal counsel, we have determined that the initial suspensions were premature. The investigations are not closed, and we will continue to monitor any new developments."
The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos both issued brief statements confirming that the players have been cleared to return to practice and game action. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that Jacobs "has been a model teammate throughout this process" and that the team "fully supports the league's decision to allow him to focus on football while the legal process plays out." Similarly, Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in Cooper, noting that "we trust the system and are glad to have Jonathon back in the building."
Neither player has been charged with a crime, and both have denied any wrongdoing through their representatives. Jacobs' attorney, John Singer, called the suspension "an overreaction to unsubstantiated claims" and said his client is "relieved but not surprised" by the NFL's reversal. Cooper's legal team echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that the linebacker "has cooperated fully with every inquiry" and looks forward to "clearing his name completely."
The NFL's decision to lift the suspensions without closing the investigations is unusual but not unprecedented. In recent years, the league has faced criticism for both overreacting to allegations and for being too lenient in other cases. The personal conduct policy, updated in 2022, gives the commissioner broad discretion to impose interim measures, but also requires a "fair and thorough" process before any long-term punishment is handed down.
**Analise**
This development carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate the middle of the 2026 season. Jacobs, who signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay in March, has been a central piece of the Packers' offensive scheme, leading the team in rushing yards through the first five games. His return provides a major boost to a unit that struggled in his absence, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry in the two games he missed. The Packers, currently 3-2 and tied for first place in the NFC North, will welcome Jacobs back for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears.
For Denver, Cooper's return solidifies a defense that has been among the league's most improved units this season. The Broncos, sitting at 4-1, have relied heavily on Cooper's pass-rushing ability, and his absence was felt in a narrow loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6. His reinstatement comes at a critical juncture, with a tough stretch of games against AFC West rivals looming.
Beyond the immediate on-field impact, the NFL's handling of this situation raises questions about the consistency of its disciplinary process. Critics argue that the league's initial decision to suspend both players without a completed investigation undermines the presumption of innocence, while supporters of the policy contend that the NFL must err on the side of caution given the seriousness of domestic violence allegations. The fact that both players were reinstated within two weeks suggests that the evidence presented to the league was insufficient to justify a prolonged absence, but the ongoing investigations mean that the matter is far from closed.
Legal experts note that the NFL's actions could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. "The league is walking a tightrope between protecting its image and respecting due process," said Sarah Whitmore, a sports law professor at Marquette University. "By lifting the suspensions but keeping the investigations open, the NFL is signaling that it will not tolerate abuse, but also that it will not rush to judgment without solid evidence."
Both Jacobs and Cooper are expected to address the media later this week, and their first game actions will be closely scrutinized. The NFL has not provided a timeline for concluding its investigations, but league insiders suggest that a final decision could come within the next 30 days. Until then, both players are eligible to play, and both teams are eager to move forward.
**Fontes**
- NFL official statement, October 16, 2026 - Green Bay Packers press release, October 16, 2026 - Denver Broncos press release, October 16, 2026 - Statements from head coaches Matt LaFleur and Sean Payton - Attorney statements from John Singer and Cooper's legal representation - Marquette University sports law professor Sarah Whitmore (commentary)