The Broncos excused Jonathon Cooper from mandatory minicamp this week following domestic violence charges against the outside linebacker.

Cooper did not participate in practice Tuesday at Broncos Park. Coach Sean Payton began his news conference with opening remarks that addressed Cooper’s status with the team.

“We’ve excused (Cooper) from this minicamp,” Payton said. “He’s taking this time. Obviously, he’s got to work on himself, and the club is very much in tune to the league office and the local authorities here. We’ve had several meetings. Clearly, from an ownership standpoint, the head coach (and) organizationally, there is a bar that we have and an expectation that we have that is very high. We’ll consider that as we continue to gather the information. That’s really all I can tell you.

“I think it will take a little bit of time. But we’re continuing to go through that process, and we take it very seriously.”

Cooper was charged with felony assault for a June 4 incident with his ex-girlfriend. He allegedly choked and pinned her against a wall. Cooper faces additional charges of domestic violence, harassment, and violation of a protective order from a separate incident June 11. Cooper allegedly showed up at her apartment and repeatedly knocked on the door for about 10 minutes.

Cooper is scheduled to appear in court at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Cooper is facing five total charges in Douglas County District Court. His ex-girlfriend was also arrested on domestic violence charges during the June 4 incident. But those charges were dropped Tuesday, according to media reports.

Cooper’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, provided a statement to Mike Klis of 9NEWS.

“White woman admits she was the aggressor,” Steinberg said, according to the 9NEWS report. “Admits she grabbed my client’s phone out his hand. Admits she went through it without his permission. Admits she threw it against the wall, damaging it. She makes allegations against my client which police don’t appear to believe. Charges dismissed against white woman. Prosecution against Black man continues. Justice in America.”

Cooper’s absence from minicamp casts doubt over his future with the Broncos.

The starting outside linebacker was considered a defensive team leader who posted 27 sacks over the last three seasons. Cooper received a four-year, $54 million contract extension in November 2024 that runs through 2028. His cap number is $5.7 million this season.

However, it’s possible Cooper will miss significant time this year.

The NFL personal conduct policy states that domestic violence matters result in a baseline suspension of six games. That range can be higher or lower depending on the outcome of the NFL’s investigation. The league has yet to formally suspend Cooper.

“He’s our brother at the end of the day,” cornerback Pat Surtain said after practice Tuesday. “We all rally behind ‘Coop.’ We just wish him the best with everything. Just keeping him in good spirits.”

The Broncos have largely avoided off-field player trouble under the Walton Penner ownership group. Last week, Payton told reporters he had a “long visit” with Cooper but said the NFL had also done “a good job of coming in and taking over that responsibility.”

Payton declined to elaborate on the timing of Cooper’s second domestic violence charges occurring shortly after that visit.

The Broncos will turn to their outside linebacker depth — including Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman — to help fill the gap if Cooper is unavailable. Mandatory minicamp continues Wednesday and Thursday at Broncos Park.