Getty Ezekiel Elliott will miss the Cowboys first six games of the season.
Ezekiel Elliott will not play tonight in the Cowboys preseason game against the Rams. Elliott was among several players on the Cowboys inactive list, despite his suspension not slated to begin until the start of the regular season. Dak Prescott will also be missing from action.
Elliott is expected to appeal the NFL’s decision to suspend him for six games. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Elliott has three days to appeal the suspension. The hearing must take place within ten days of Elliott filing the appeal.
Elliott released a statement on Twitter disagreeing with the suspension.
“I am both surprised and disappointed by the NFL’s decision today, and I strongly disagree with the League’s findings,” Elliott said in the statement. “I recognize the distraction and disruption that all of this has caused my family, friends, teammates, the Dallas Cowboys organization as well as my fans- for that I am sincerely sorry. I admit that I am far from perfect, but plan to continue to work very hard, on and off the field, to mature and earn the great opportunity that I have been given.”
Schefter also reported Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is “furious” with the ruling.
Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones is said to be furious with NFL decision, per one source. Furious.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2017
Elliott was seen on the field doing pregame sprints, and did not look to be injured. The Cowboys have not announced whether Elliott will play at all during the preseason.
Dallas will look to get familiar with the running backs they will start the season with. Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris are expected to compete for the starting job until Elliott returns. Elliott’s suspension is just the latest in a long list of Cowboys off-field woes during the summer.
The Cowboys are coming off an exceptional season, but will have to figure out a way to replace Elliott. In his rookie season, Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns.
