Ezekiel Elliott drops appeal, will serve full six game suspension

Ezekiel Elliott’s long, drawn out court process is over. The Dallas Cowboys running back is dropping the appeal of his six game suspension, according to Elliott’s representation.

Elliott was already set to definitely miss four out of the six games this season. But now he’ll serve the extra two games he potentially could have avoided missing in 2017.

The Cowboys predictably struggled without Elliott in their 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Dallas couldn’t establish the run, which put more pressure on Dak Prescott to carry the team with his arm. He couldn’t do it. Atlanta was able to take advantage of Tyron Smith’s absence and hit Prescott all game long.

Here’s a look at remaining five games left on Elliott’s suspension.

Week 11 - vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 12 - vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 13 - vs. Washington Redskins

Week 14 - at New York Giants

Week 15 - at Oakland Raiders

Elliott will eligible to return for the Cowboys’ home game against the Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Eve in Week 16. Then Dallas travels to Philadelphia to play the Eagles in Week 17. That final game could end up being meaningless depending on how things shake out for the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC playoff race.

The Eagles will have a big chance to make Week 17 irrelevant by beating the Cowboys this weekend on Sunday Night Football. Dallas really could have used Elliott against Philly’s No. 1 ranked run defense. Instead, he’ll be out.

Of course, Elliott could have been active for this week’s Eagles-Cowboys game if he didn’t appeal his suspension and served it at the beginning of the season instead.

Or, you know, if he didn’t put himself in position to be suspended in the first place.