The NFL has placed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers on the Commissioner Exempt List following serious charges including strangulation and drug possession. Peppers, who recently turned 29, is a team captain and in his eighth NFL season. He pleaded not guilty to the charges after being arrested during an incident involving a woman he has been dating on and off for three years. The Patriots will be without Peppers as he cannot practice or attend games while on the exempt list.

• The NFL's decision to place Peppers on the exempt list indicates the seriousness of the charges against him.
• Peppers' absence will be felt by the Patriots as he is a key player in their defense.