Ezekiel Elliott update: Cowboys RB suspension upheld, still playing Week 1
By John Buhler
The NFL has heard Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal to overturn his six-game suspension, and even though it will stand, the Cowboys star will still play Week 1.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network first reported that NFL executive Harold Henderson would have a ruling on the Ezekiel Elliott appeal by the end of the business day on Tuesday. The Dallas Cowboys running back was facing a six-game suspension for domestic violence.
Despite the NFLPA putting up a worthy fight to make sure its player would be treated fairly in the arbitration process, the NFL has upheld its ruling. Elliott will still be suspended for six games of the Cowboys’ 2017 NFL season.
Chris Mortensen was first to break the news.
Ezekiel Elliott 6 game suspension has been upheld by Harold Henderson, per source
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 6, 2017
However, because of the timing of the decision, Pro Football Talk and Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill are among those reporting that Elliott will be able to play in Week 1 as he awaits the legal proceedings regarding the suspension to play out.
Henderson affirms 6 game suspension. Elliott plays against Giants. A decision on temporary injunction should be made Friday #EzekielElliott
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) September 6, 2017
This is unpleasant news for New York Giants fans, who were undoubtedly hoping that the suspension would stand and they would not have to face Elliott in their prime time clash on Sunday night. They may have a banged up Odell Beckham for that one, adding to the potential misery.
After that, Dallas has tough games on the road against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, on the road against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 and at home versus the Green Bay Packers in Week 5. So even though having him around for Week 1 will be an unexpected boon, if he misses games 3 through 7, that would still be a blow to the Cowboys’ playoff chances.
Dallas will have to lean on its two other running backs in Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris for the duration of the Elliott suspension. Though McFadden and Morris can help the Cowboys win games, neither are as good as pass catchers or pass protectors as Elliott is in the Dallas backfield.
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Since news of Elliott’s suspension has been known by the Cowboys for some time, expect head coach Jason Garrett and owner Jerry Jones to have prepared for the worst. Dallas is talented, but it might be without its best offensive weapon until almost Halloween. And the suspension story isn’t over yet, so stay tuned to see exactly how it plays out.