As expected, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott submitted his appeal to the six-game suspension that the NFL slapped on him for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension was in connection with the domestic violence accusation against Elliott by a former girlfriend. In a statement posted on its Twitter account, the NFL Players Association said it filed the appeal on behalf of Elliott. The appeal came four days after the NFL levied the punishment on Elliott, whose appeal hearing must be scheduled within 10 days of the notice of appeal.

Elliott’s appeal will focus on the credibility of his ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson, according to sources close to the rusher. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said Elliott's legal team will show that the NFL finding did not give weight to Thompson’s credibility while considering its decision. Earlier, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the NFL based its six-game ban on Elliott from the result of its year-long investigation into the allegations made by Thompson in July 2016. The 22-year-old Elliott vehemently denied the accusations made by Thompson. The second-year running back was not arrested nor charged in connection with the accusation.

Elliott filed harassment charges vs ex-girlfriend

Rapoport and Pelissero both reported that Elliott filed harassment charges against Thompson with the Texas police in September but the case was no longer under active investigation. Rapoport said Goodell was aware of the harassment charges filed by Elliott while crafting his decision on the suspension but he did not give it any weight.

Elliott’s legal team plans to include it in their appeal. If the NFL upholds its decision to suspend Elliott, the rusher will be prevented from joining any team activity starting September 2. Elliott will be eligible to play on October 29 when the Cowboys take on the Washington Redskins in Week 8. In his rookie year, Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2016.

He also helped the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in the regular season.

Jaylon Smith to play vs Colts Sunday

Cowboys team owner/general manager Jerry Jones announced that linebacker Jaylon Smith will be making his much-anticipated debut when they take on the Indianapolis Colts in Saturday’s preseason game. The game will be Smith's first NFL game since he sustained torn ACL and nerve damage before he was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round last season. Smith will be a welcome addition to the Cowboys defense, which lost several pieces this offseason. The Cowboys are hoping that Smith will be 100 percent when they tackle the New York Giants in Week 1.
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