A decision regarding Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal has still not been announced, and the star running back will be eligible to play in Week 1 if that remains the case into Tuesday afternoon.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL Media notes, former NFL executive Harold Henderson has until Tuesday at 3 p.m. Dallas time to make a decision about Elliott’s six-game suspension. If the ruling does not come before that, Elliott can play in Week 1 no matter what the outcome.
If Ezekiel Elliott is still on the roster by Tuesday at 3pm Dallas time, he will be eligible to play in the opener.
UPDATE:
? | @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/dBF4X49jm0— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 3, 2017
With that in mind, we can probably expect a decision one way or the other. While many believe Elliott is going to be able to make a strong argument against the NFL for its handling of his domestic violence case, he may end up having to take things to court if Henderson upholds the six-game ban.
Elliott’s legal team is committed to attacking the credibility of the star running back’s ex-girlfriend. If the suspension is upheld, Elliott will likely seek an injunction that will allow him to play until he appeals the decision in court.
UPDATE: Rapoport later clarified that only Elliott’s salary for Week 1 would be guaranteed if no ruling comes by Tuesday afternoon, not the running back’s eligibility for the game.
Clarity: 4 pm Tues deadline for Zeke Elliott relates to salary. If he’s on the roster past 4 pm, he gets paid. Doesn’t guarantee eligibility
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2017
