Ezekiel Elliott Denied Injunction By Judge

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was denied a request for a preliminary injunction by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, meaning he will have to serve the six game suspension. At least, for now.

According to ESPN, after hearing arguments from the NFL and NFLPA yesterday afternoon, Judge Failla stayed the decision for 24 hours to afford parties the opportunity to consider appellate options. In other words, Zeke and the NFLPA have the option of appealing the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, in the next 24 hours and could seek a stay that would allow him to continue playing while the appeal process plays out.

In her ruling, according to ESPN, Judge Failla said, "the NFLPA has failed to demonstrate a substantial question warranting the extraordinary remedy of injunctive relief or a balance of hardships that decidedly weighs in its favor."

Although Elliott was never charged in the domestic violence case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for six games following a year-long investigation into the accusations made by his former girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson. The league determined that he violated the NFL's conduct policy, which warranted a mandatory six-game suspension. 

If the suspension stands, and at this point we're not comfortable assuming anything, the Cowboys figure to lean on veteran running backs Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden. The Cowboys will host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9 this Sunday.

Dallas' upcoming schedule includes Week 10 at the Atlanta Falcons, Week 11 home vs the Philadelphia Eagles, Week 12 home vs the Los Angeles Chargers, Week 13 home vs the Washington Redskins, and Week 14 on the road against the New York Giants.

Zeke would be eligible to return for the Cowboys' Week 15 matchup against the Raiders in Oakland.

Ezekiel Elliott