After an off-season littered with rumors, Ezekiel Elliott has been suspended by the NFL. Rumors had been running wild for weeks when things started heating up, with Cris Carter reporting that the same sources that leaked that Tom Brady destroyed his phone saying Elliott would be suspended. This is the last thing that new Hall of Famer Jerry Jones wanted to hear. Bad turned to worst Friday morning when Adam Schefter confirmed the news.
Cowboys' RB Ezekiel Elliott is being suspended 6 games, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2017
Ezekiel Elliott Suspended For Six Games
The rumors about Elliott’s domestic abuse sprung up last summer, when Deadspin discovered pictures of Elliott’s ex-girlfriend with bruises on her neck, arms, and knees. The pictures came with a caption claiming she was thrown around, choked, and abused physically and mentally. The victim filed a report with Columbus Police Department, but after a thorough investigation, they didn’t file charges.
However, as we learned with Brady and the “Deflategate” case last year, just because it can’t be legally proven that a player did something, that doesn’t mean the NFL won’t punish them if they believe a crime was committed. Reportedly several owners were pushing for Elliott to be suspended over the off-season, and today it finally happened.
On the Field
After a brilliant rookie season, Elliott is a huge part of Dallas’ plans for 2017. Behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, Elliott and Dak Prescott make up one of the NFL’s best young duos. Throw in veteran skill position threats Dez Bryant and Jason Witten and this team has potential to be really explosive this year.
However, the defense isn’t quite as good. The secondary leaves a lot to be desired on paper, and they host the New York Giants, who boast arguably the NFL’s best receiving corps with Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Sherpard, in week one. Eli Manning and the Giants didn’t have Marshall last season, but they still swept Dallas with Elliott. In a very competitive division, missing their best player for so many games could be problematic.
However, just because Elliott is the best back on the team, that doesn’t mean his back-ups are terrible. Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden have both enjoyed success in the NFL, boasting five 1,000 yard seasons between them. They’re not as gifted as Elliott, but the Cowboys can still run the ball well with them.
A really interesting subplot to all this will be how Prescott plays without his fellow draftmate. Many critics have been harsh on Prescott, saying he’s just a product of his surrounding talent. Well Mr. Prescott, here’s your moment.
Check back with Last Word as the story develops. Elliott will likely appeal his suspension, and there will certainly be more news to come.
