The NFL won a major court battle in the Ezekiel Elliott case Monday night with a judge in New York reinstating the running back’s six-game suspension.
While all legal hurdles have not yet been exhausted by the NFLPA or Elliott’s team, it’s looking more and more like the running back will have to sit out six games.
In discussing its legal victory, the NFL is now making it clear that Elliott’s suspension starts immediately. Of course, that comes with the caveat of another court potentially ruling in favor of the Dallas Cowboys’ running back later this week.
NFL on Elliott ruling – "we thought we had very strong arguments." unless court makes new ruling, suspension starts this week
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 31, 2017
Logistically, it seems that Elliott will have to at least sit out the Cowboys’ Week 9 game against the Kansas City Chiefs this upcoming Sunday. After that, how the court process plays out will determine whether he must sit the five remaining games of said suspension.
With Elliott likely out of action over the next six games, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones noted on Tuesday that Alfred Morris will take over as the team’s starting running back.
Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said Alfred Morris will get more carries but Darren McFadden and Rod Smith will get more work too
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 31, 2017
It’s a less-than-ideal situation for a squad that enters Week 9 with a 4-3 record and firmly in the mix for a wildcard spot in the NFC.