According to The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel, Denver Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper is expected to report to training camp today with the rest of the team’s veteran players. As we know, he has been dealing with some off-the-field legal drama, and the team has expressed its disappointment with what happened, but it appears Cooper will be present for Broncos Camp.
Cooper has had an eventful offseason, which has included multiple arrests and is facing multiple charges in court. He currently has an arraignment date set for August 31st, which falls in between the end of the preseason and the start of the regular season. Cooper has also attended an inpatient counseling, therapy, mental health, and overall wellness program that lasted more than a month, according to reports. This will likely help his standing with the team, and him reporting to camp is a sign of that, but the legal process is still ongoing.
Head Coach Sean Payton will meet with the media tomorrow, so we should have an update on the status of Cooper and how much he will participate in camp. He is likely facing some sort of suspension from the league due to the nature of these charges, and more could come depending on the end result of his legal matter.
Cooper has been a leader for this team in the past, and his actions off the field seem out of character for him. So, hopefully, he can put this issue behind him and continue being a high-character and team leader on and off the field.
The Broncos do have insurance at edge rusher regardless of the end result with Cooper. Jonah Elliss has flashed talent during his first two seasons in the NFL and looks ready to take that next step in his career. Second-year edge rusher Que Robinson impressed the Broncos coaches last season and even had Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph saying he looked like a future starter as a rookie. Now, entering year two, Robinson looks primed to take that next step as well. Their development, along with the end result of Cooper’s legal drama, could reshape how the Broncos edge rusher room looks moving forward.
Stay tuned to Mile High Report as we will keep you updated on this matter moving forward.
