ENGLEWOOD — Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper reported to Broncos training camp with veteran players Tuesday while facing domestic violence charges, a source told The Denver Gazette.

Cooper’s level of participation is unclear. Coach Sean Payton is expected to address reporters Wednesday.

The Broncos previously excused Cooper from mandatory minicamp. He was charged with felony assault for a June 4 incident with his ex-girlfriend. Cooper allegedly choked and pinned her against the wall. He also faces additional charges of domestic violence, harassment and violation of a protective order from a separate incident June 11.

“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,” Payton said in June during minicamp. “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.”

The NFL is reviewing the incidents. Cooper could face a six-game baseline suspension under the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension range can be lower or higher depending on the outcome of criminal charges and the NFL’s investigation.

Cooper has an arraignment scheduled in Douglas County Court for Aug. 31, about two weeks before the Broncos open the regular season in Kansas City.

Cooper was a seventh-round draft pick in 2021 by the Broncos. He’s been a regular starter over the past three seasons with 27 sacks. Cooper signed a four-year, $54 million extension in 2024 that runs through 2028.

Defensive depth

The Broncos begin training camp practice this week with defensive position battles to watch.

The Broncos might be without Cooper for an extended period. Standout defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers signed with the Titans in free agency. Safety P.J. Locke also signed with the Cowboys in free agency.

Cornerback Pat Surtain addressed the strength of the Broncos’ defensive depth Tuesday after veterans arrived at the team’s new practice facility.

“Obviously, when great players leave, you have to count on other guys to step up,” Surtain said. “Sai’vion (Jones) and (Eyioma Uwazurike), all of those guys, they’ve been working very hard. Obviously Sai’vion, a young guy stepping up last year in his role. And ‘Enyi’, he’s been a baller as well, stepping up in his role, too. … I feel like the expectations stay the same even when ‘JFM’ was here. I know that room holds each other to high standards, and I feel like they expect the same out of both those two.”

On the Broncos’ competition for the No. 3 safety, Surtain added: “We have a lot of great pieces to fill that void. Obviously, P.J. was a great player (and) a very instrumental part to our team. … You have JL (Skinner), Devon Key, and a couple other guys, too, to step up and fulfill that spot. So, I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fun camp.”

Meinerz focus

Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz had an excellent 2025 as a first-team All-Pro selection.

However, upon returning to Broncos Park on Tuesday, he discussed mostly hidden challenges while playing last season.

“I’ve done a lot of reflection on this. There were a lot of things that I was struggling with internally that (weren’t) necessarily football related,” Meinerz said. “I spent this offseason really kind of nailing those things down. I’m really excited about this season coming up. I would say this is the most excited I’ve ever been about (a training) camp. It’s been really good to reflect on all those things and come up with a better plan moving forward.”

Meinerz continued: “It couldn’t be better with a new facility and a new place to park. Everything’s just kind of new, and I’m really excited about that because I think there is some power to when you’re trying to get to that next chapter of life of having more new things around you, so I’m excited.”

Briefly

The Broncos defense created just 14 turnovers last season. The goal is more in 2026. Surtain said: “We can do that when the ball is in the air. Capitalize on more opportunities of taking the ball away. Obviously, those game-changing plays are very vital in NFL games. Taking the ball away and just doing that would definitely help us a lot, too.” … The Broncos won 11 one-score games last year. They are hoping for some more cushion next season. Meinerz said: “Staying out of those situations and capitalizing earlier in those games.” … The first day with fans at Broncos Park for training camp is Friday.