Jonathon Cooper Is Back at Broncos Practice and Says 'No Excuses on My End'

Broncos Country, Jonathon Cooper was back on the practice field Wednesday, and for the first time since his return he answered questions about why he was gone.

The outside linebacker practiced in Englewood for the first time since his two June arrests, according to the Denver Gazette. He missed Denver's first six games on the Commissioner Exempt List before the NFL cleared him last Friday, which makes him eligible Sunday at Arizona.

Speaking at his locker, Cooper thanked the organization and his teammates and said he spent the offseason working on himself. He did not describe what happened or what he discussed with the team. Asked what he would tell female fans, he said relationships are difficult, that there are "no excuses on my end," and that he holds himself accountable, while adding that "the legal matters will take care of themselves."

The case is still open. Per the Gazette, Cooper faces a felony assault by strangulation charge and several lesser charges, with a pretrial conference set for Feb. 23 and trial scheduled to start March 2. He has pleaded not guilty. The league has said its personal conduct review is ongoing and isn't affected by his roster status. Sean Payton did not say Wednesday how much Cooper will play against the Cardinals.

Our Take: Saying "no excuses" is the right start, but it isn't the whole story, and Cooper knows it. The charges are serious, the court process is months from finished, and the NFL could still act. Fans are allowed to want the pass rush back and still take this seriously.

What to watch: Cooper's snap count Sunday at State Farm Stadium, and any word from the league on its review.

Sources: ESPN, Denver Gazette, Yahoo Sports