Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott eligible to play against Chiefs
By Carl Daley
The Dallas Cowboys will have their star running back on the field for Sunday’s clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. Here is a look at how Elliott got to play.
It appears Ezekiel Elliott’s has won another skirmish in the fight to clear his name. The Dallas Cowboys seemingly needed Elliott more than ever before especially heading into a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this legal saga and things appear far from settled. Here is what we know now.
Elliott will be able to play for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in one of the biggest games of the year, against the Kansas City Chiefs. Elliott and the NFLPA managed to get an administrative stay from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
This means that next week, Elliott and NFLPA representatives will go in front of a panel of federal judges who will hear their request for an injunction that overturns the ruling from Monday made by Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
Obviously there are multiple outcomes here that even we cannot see at this time, however, it is being assumed if Elliott and the NFLPA fail to convince the panel of judges that Elliott’s suspension was unjust, he will likely serve his full suspension.
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If Elliott wins this proceeding his injunction will be put back in place and he will be able to continue to play. What was really striking is how Elliott has not wavered from his message.
“This is bigger than a suspension. It’s bigger than football, them (the NFL) trying to make me something I’m not. I’m not an abuser. That’s not who I am. This is my name and this is my reputation. This is something I’m going to have to live with beyond football. Every day is worth fighting” via CBSSports.
Zeke’s words are clear, he does not want this to end without his name being cleared, and it is a little odd that the NFL has taken this investigation so far, based on so little evidence.
The inconsistencies in the NFL’s disciplinary process do not only affect the players and players association but the overall product they are putting out. Think about it, the Tom Brady “Deflategate” investigation was dragged out as long as possible before the courts washed their hands of the matter.
In the law’s eyes, Elliott has been innocent this entire time, there is no pending investigation or trial, he has been cleared but the NFL wishes to drag this ugly and convoluted situation out, which will have an effect on not only their viewership but their final product.
Next: Which running back will get the chance to shine for the Dallas Cowboys?
Elliott will have a great matchup this week against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has allowed some big games to opposing running backs. The Chiefs have allowed 4.98 yards per carry to opposing running backs over the last five weeks which is a sharp turn from how they performed earlier in the season. The Dallas Cowboys are likely very excited to have such a key piece of their offense back on the field.