On Sunday, each team in the NFL has to trim its roster down to 53 players and for teams around the league, as they navigate what their team will look like, they also have to consider the status of each player.
Multiple players have been put on the NFL commissioner's exempt list, including Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper. That designation prevents players from participating in team activities such as practices, other than attending meetings, workouts, and treatments at the team facility. It's the NFL's version of paid leave, while players deal with various circumstances and proceedings that could result in a suspension, due to a potential violation of league policy.
Los Angeles Rams offensive superstars
Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson were subject to be added to the list, due to their current legal situations following offseason incidents.
However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Nacua and Jackson will not be placed on the list before the roster cut-down deadline, while the league continues to examine their situations.
No other players will be placed on the commissioner exempt list today. Other matters still remain under the league’s review: Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson in Los Angeles, Rashod Bateman in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/mmdZU7riKk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026
Both are still eligible to be added, or suspended by the league, but the fact that they will not be added now means both players will count against the team's 53-man roster. If they were added to the commissioner exempt list, they would have a roster spot, but it would not count against the team's numbers until they're removed from the list.
As a result, the Rams are currently avoiding losing two of their best players for the season-opener next week.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is the only person who can add players to the exempt list.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' Puka Nacua, Alaric Jackson avoid commissioner exempt list for now
