Appeals Court Vacates Ezekiel Elliott's Injunction, Clears Path To Suspension [Updated]

The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the NFL today in the ongoing Ezekiel Elliott case, writing that Elliott’s lawsuit contesting his six-game suspension was “premature.”

Elliott had filed his suit after arbitration proceedings had been completed, but before the arbiter actually came down with a decision. Because of this, according to the court, “the procedures provided for in the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFLPA were not exhausted,” and Elliott’s suspension should be upheld.

This ruling eliminates the previous injunction that allowed Elliott to continue playing despite his suspension. The Cowboys are on a bye this weekend, but in order to attempt to keep playing, Elliott and the NFLPA will reportedly refile for an injunction in New York.

The ruling in full can be found below:

Update (6:35 p.m. ET): Elliott’s suspension is now effective immediately.