Ezekiel Elliot’s six-game suspension was placed on hold again Friday when the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted him a temporary stay, allowing the Cowboys running back to play against the Chiefs this Sunday.
A series of injunctions and restraining orders have allowed Elliott, 22, to play to this point, but U.S. District Court Judge Katherine P. Failla denied Elliott’s request for another injection earlier this week, putting his suspension into effect.
Following Failla’s ruling, the NFL Players Association filed expedited appeal and emergency injunction requests with the 2nd Circuit claiming the suspension, if it were to begin now, would irreparably harm Elliott’s career.
The Associated Press reported attorneys for the NFL argued Thursday that Elliott's appeal "has no likelihood of success ” and that the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan should not get in the way of Elliott beginning his suspension. The court clearly felt different.
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The NFL argued roughly 100 players have been suspended for approximately 500 games over the past season and a half, therefore "Elliott's claim of irreparable injury is indistinguishable from those that could be made by 100 other players."
The latest turn of events is a clear win for Cowboys fans and fantasy football players as Elliott has rushed for 690 yards and six touchdowns this season.
It also sets the stage for the long-running drama to be continued next week and maybe into the offseason, ESPN.com reported.
Ezekiel Elliott fate decided next week; if 2nd Cir panel reverses Judge Failla's rejection of PI, almost certain to last through end of year
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2017