Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto says he trusts the team’s depth at pass rush as Jonathon Cooper’s legal situation remains unresolved heading into training camp.
Cooper was arrested twice in June on charges connected to an incident involving his girlfriend, according to ESPN. The first arrest, on June 5, produced misdemeanor domestic violence and criminal mischief charges. A second arrest on June 11 added four more charges, including felony assault, per Denver Sports. Cooper pleaded not guilty to the initial charges in June.
The case has not been resolved. A jury trial originally planned for July 22 was vacated after Douglas County prosecutors upgraded the charges, according to Denver Sports. Cooper had a virtual court hearing on July 24, which set his arraignment for August 31, according to Yahoo Sports, citing the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. That date falls after the Broncos’ three preseason games.
The Broncos excused Cooper from mandatory minicamp in June while the case moved through court. Head coach Sean Payton said at the time the organization was in contact with the league office and monitoring the situation closely.
Denver’s veterans are set to report for training camp on July 28, with the first practice on July 31. It has not been officially confirmed whether Cooper will participate.
Bonitto on the Broncos’ Depth at Edge Rusher
Speaking to reporters, Bonitto expressed confidence in the linebackers who would step into a larger role if needed, according to the Denver Post.
“We shouldn’t be surprised by any of them. Each one of them, when they have had the opportunity, they have made plays.”
Bonitto pointed to Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman and Que Robinson as players who have shown they can produce in limited snaps. Bonitto has played alongside Cooper for every game of his career to date.
Bonitto himself is coming off a career year, recording 14 sacks, 46 total tackles and two forced fumbles last season, per the Denver Post’s reporting.
