What happened: The Denver Broncos excused outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper from this week's mandatory minicamp after he was arrested twice within a seven-day span, per reporting from Jeff Legwold. Head coach Sean Payton said the team excused Cooper so he can "work on himself." The decision keeps Cooper away from the team during a key offseason practice window.

Why it matters: Cooper is a core piece of Denver's pass rush, and his absence raises questions about the defense's depth heading into the 2026 season. The arrests escalate an ongoing legal situation that now includes a felony assault charge, putting both his availability and his standing with the franchise in doubt. How the Broncos handle the matter will signal their tolerance threshold for a key contributor.

What to watch: Watch for any disciplinary action from the team or the NFL, along with updates on Cooper's court proceedings. Payton's comments suggest the situation remains unresolved as the offseason continues.