NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson has upheld Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension, although Elliott continues to fight to get the ban lifted. However, because Henderson did not process the appeal before 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the suspension is expected to be delayed a week. So Elliott should able to play Week 1 against the Giants.
Ezekiel Elliott 6 game suspension has been upheld by Harold Henderson, per source
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 6, 2017
Elliott will play Sunday against the Giants. Judge will rule by 5 pm Friday on injunction.
— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) September 6, 2017
Not only did Elliott appeal the league’s ruling, but the NFLPA filed a lawsuit against the NFL on Elliott’s behalf to block the suspension. Elliott has also received unwavering support from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Judge Amos Mazzant III of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas will make his decision by the end of the week. If Elliott’s suspension holds, then following the season opener he won’t see the gridiron again until Week 9 against the Chiefs.
Here’s a statement from Elliott’s attorneys on Henderson’s ruling (including a bad misspelling of “conscience”):
Statement from Ezekiel Elliott's attorneys: pic.twitter.com/6AhGr3QOzC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2017
Regardless of what happens with Elliott’s suspension moving forward, this is bad news for the Giants. Even though the Giants swept the Cowboys last seaosn, they still allowed Elliott to compile 158 yards and one touchdown on 44 carries over their two meetings.
