Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has pleaded not guilty to five charges stemming from incidents involving his former girlfriend in June.

Cooper appeared in a Douglas County courtroom on Monday, where he entered not-guilty pleas to the charges. His jury trial has now been scheduled for November 10, 12 and 13, according to 9NEWS and other reports.

The case includes a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation, along with misdemeanor charges connected to the June incidents, including an alleged violation of a protection order. Cooper was arrested twice in June following separate incidents involving his former girlfriend.

The latest court development comes just one day after the NFL placed Cooper on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. The designation means he cannot practice or play for Denver while on the list, although he continues to receive his salary and can remain around the team's facilities under the conditions of the designation.

Cooper had been able to participate in the Broncos' training camp and preseason despite the ongoing legal case. He even played in Denver's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings on August 28.

The timing of the trial is also notable for the Broncos. Denver is scheduled to play Carolina on November 8 before entering its bye week, with the trial beginning two days later. The Broncos are then scheduled to return to action against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 22.

Cooper has been an important part of Denver's defence since joining the team as a seventh-round pick from Ohio State in 2021. He recorded a career-best 10.5 sacks in 2024 and signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension that same year.

For now, however, his future on the field is uncertain.

The legal proceedings will continue into November, while the Broncos must prepare for the season without knowing exactly when Cooper might be available to return.

Cooper maintains his not-guilty position, and the charges remain allegations unless proven otherwise in court.