The Dallas Cowboys will in fact have Ezekiel Elliott on the field for their Week 1 game against the New York Giants. Despite Tuesday’s ruling upholding his six-game suspension, Elliott has been given the go-ahead to play this upcoming Sunday.
Harold Henderson upheld suspension. Judge reserved ruling until Friday on motion for TRO. Elliott eligible to play in week 1.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2017
While this seems to run contrary to Harold Henderson’s decision to uphold the suspension, there’s a legal reason for this. The NFLPA (on behalf of Elliott) filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) in a Texas district court last Friday to nullify the suspension.
Said ruling on the motion won’t be made until Friday, at which point NFL rules dictate that the player facing suspension can play that week.
Should the temporary restraining order be granted, Elliott will likely play the entire 2017 NFL season until the case is settled in court.