The veteran safety has been out since an arrest in early October.
New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers has been reinstated from the commissioner’s exempt list, the NFL announced on Monday.
Peppers was placed on the list in early October following an arrest on assault and drug charges. As a consequence, he was effectively barred from the Patriots facility: the team captain was neither allowed to practice, nor participate in any games.
His reinstatement means that he will return to New England’s 53-man roster, and be allowed to resume all team activities, including playing in games.
Peppers, 29, was arrested ahead of the Patriots’ Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins. He later was charged with several offenses: assault and battery on an intimate partner, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of cocaine.
“I just want to be clear that really any act of domestic violence is unacceptable for us,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said at the time. “As a team — no matter if you’re a player, staff member — we’re wholeheartedly against any type of domestic violence. I know the organization’s position, which I fully support.
“With that being said, I do think that Jabrill has to go through the system, has to continue to go through a due process, and we’ll see how that works out.”
Peppers entered a not guilty plea on all counts at the time, and was released on $2,500 bail he posted following his arrest. His attorney, Marc Brofsky, appeared at court again on Nov. 22, with a full jury trial set for January 22.
Even with his legal situation in limbo, the NFL has now decided to reinstate Peppers. The league did, however, announce that it will continue reviewing the situation.
The Patriots will host the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium in Week 13.