ENGLEWOOD — Head coach Sean Payton said Thursday the Broncos will continue to closely monitor how the legal process plays out with outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper.

Cooper was arrested early last Friday in Douglas County and faces two charges of domestic violence and one charge of criminal mischief between $300 and $1,000. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday and was with the team at practice Tuesday through Thursday at Broncos Park for the second and final week of organized team activities.

“We had a long visit with (Cooper after his arrest), and now the process plays out,” Payton said. “The league obviously will be very much involved in that. We’ll stay abreast.”

Cooper has a motion hearing set for July 6 and a jury trial set for July 22. Both Cooper and his girlfriend were arrested, with her accusing him of cheating and there being a dispute over a cell phone, according to an affidavit obtained by The Denver Gazette. Cooper got into a physical struggle with her, according to the affidavit, in which at one point he “braced his neck against (her) neck to prevent her from getting his phone.”

Cooper potentially could face a suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Payton made note of Cooper having been arrested after the Broncos concluded their first week of OTAs from June 2-4.

“When it’s the offseason or it’s the weekend, no news is always good news,” Payton said. “Knock on wood, we’ve had a long stretch where that’s been the case (of not having a player arrested). Now we’ll stay as informed as possible. We’ll follow the league’s guidelines, and I’m sure a lot of that will be led by the local authorities’ guidelines.”

Payton said he hasn’t addressed the team about Cooper’s situation since his “instincts told me not to right away.” He said there will be a “number of speakers” at a mandatory minicamp, which runs next Tuesday through Thursday and “there will be a time” perhaps then “to talk about it.”

Nix gets work in walkthrough

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is making continued strides in his return from a broken right ankle.

Payton said Nix did some work on the field Thursday during a walkthrough before the start of practice and before the media could see anything at Broncos Park. Nix then watched the practice.

Payton reiterated that he expects Nix to participate in the minicamp.

“I think you’ll see him next week,” Payton said.

Nix was hurt in a Jan. 17 playoff game against Buffalo and had surgery Jan. 20 and a clean-up procedure in late April. Payton has no qualms about his mobility when he returns to the field.

“He’s going to be completely clean mobility-wise,” Payton said. “He’s out here (Thursday) like going through two-minute reps, walkthrough reps. … He’s young, and one of his great assets is his ability to avoid sacks and escape from the pocket. I don’t think you’ll see that hindered at all.”

With Nix looking on during OTAs, Payton said it “benefited” reserve quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger to get additional reps.

Payton hopeful McMillian sticks around

Payton is hopeful cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian remains with the Broncos past this season.

After signing a one-year $5.767 million deal last March as a restricted free agent, McMillian will become an unrestricted free agent next March if not signed by then to an extension.

“Absolutely,” Payton said of wanting to hold onto the nickel back. “He has all the things you’re looking for. Like when I say grit, chip on his shoulder.”

McMillian’s agent, Deryk Gilmore, told The Denver Gazette on Wednesday he has told the Broncos about his client wanting to sign an extension with the team.

“Ja’Quan has enjoyed his time in Denver, believes in what the organization is building, and would certainly welcome the opportunity to remain a Bronco well into the future,” Gilmore said.

McMillian turned 26 on June 4 and Payton said he played for the team a tape of the pivotal interception he made in overtime in the 33-30 playoff win over Buffalo.

“I told him, ‘There will be a day you come to visit me, and I’ll be having apple sauce,” said Payton, 62. “I won’t remember your name, but I’ll remember that play.”

Raving about Waddle

Offensive coordinator Davis Webb raved about wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, acquired by Denver from Miami in March.

“He’s good,” Webb said. “I’ve just enjoyed the person and just watching him work. He is a blessing to be around. He’s a multiplier. He’s a thermostat. Very, very good. That’s a credit to (general manager) George (Paton and) Sean. We don’t bring in bad people here.”

Webb was a Buffalo backup quarterback from 2020 to 2021. He said there’s still “a long way to go,” but sees “some similarities” to when the Bills in 2020 acquired star receiver Stefon Diggs from Minnesota. Diggs made four Pro Bowls in four Buffalo seasons.

Dobbins, Coleman miss practice

The Broncos were down two running backs at Thursday’s practice.

Starter J.K. Dobbins was not on hand due to a football camp he held in Los Lunas, N.M. Rookie Jonah Coleman was at his graduation from the University of Washington in Seattle. He received a degree in education.

Safety Brandon Jones was not at practice due to his wife, Brianna, having recently given birth to the couple’s first child, a baby boy named Malakai James Jones.

Also not practicing were offensive linemen Calvin Throckmorton and Nick Gargiulo, tight end Caleb Lohner, wide receiver Michael Woods and cornerback Jaden Robinson.

Briefly

The Broncos are looking for another kickoff returner to pair with two-time Pro Bowl selection Marvin Mims Jr. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi likes how undrafted receivers Kolbe Katsis and Cam Ross have looked in the role. “Guys that can bring value to that position are very valuable,” he said. Rizzi made note of Waddle having good return ability but said he’s “not up to” it “quite yet” on getting permission to possibly use him in that role in 2026. … Payton named defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazerike as “one of those guys” in the mix to replace departed starter John Franklin-Myers. “He’s doing well, practicing well,” Payton said. “He has his weight right where he needs to be. … He is competing for more time.” … Payton said tight end Evan Engram is “moving well” and “extending plays.” He’s looking to bounce back from a so-so first season with Denver.