When Will Ezekiel Elliott Return? Dallas Cowboys' RB Can Play Before Christmas

Any uncertainty regarding Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension is finally gone. After a long battle between the league and the NFLPA, the Dallas Cowboys’ running back will miss six games for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.

Elliott officially withdrew his appeal of the suspension Wednesday. He missed his first game in Week 10 when the Cowboys visited the Atlanta Falcons.

“In consultation with the NFLPA and his lawyers, and after careful deliberation and review of the recent Second Circuit decisions, Mr. Elliott has decided to forgo any further appeals and will serve the remaining suspension,” Elliott's agents, Rocky Arceneaux and Frank Salzano, said in a statement. “This decision arises from a practical assessment of the current legal landscape. Mr. Elliott's desire for closure in this matter is in his best interests, as well as the best interests of his teammates, family and friends.

“This decision is in no way an admission of any wrongdoing, and Mr. Elliott is pleased that the legal fight mounted by him and his team resulted in the disclosure of many hidden truths regarding this matter, as well public exposure of the NFL's mismanagement of its disciplinary process. Mr. Elliott will maximize this time away from the game and come back even stronger both on and off the field. He intends to release a final personal statement in the upcoming weeks and until then we have no further comment.”

Elliott will be forced to sit out Dallas’ next five games, starting with the team’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night. The Cowboys are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Redskins, New York Giants and Oakland Raiders in the final four weeks of Elliott’s suspension. Three of Dallas’ next five games are set to be played in primetime on national television.

That means Elliott can return in Week 16 when the Cowboys host the Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Eve. The contest could be pivotal for both teams' playoff chances.

Entering Week 11, the Seahawks are the NFC’s No.6 seed with a 6-3 record. The Cowboys are one of four NFC teams that have a 5-4 record.

The Cowboys need to win in Week 11 if they want any chance of successfully defending their NFC East title. Philadelphia has a three-game lead over Dallas in the division.

Dallas ends the regular season with a visit to Philadelphia in Week 17.

The Cowboys weren’t very competitive in their first game without Elliott, losing 27-7 to the Falcons. Alfred Morris rushed for 53 yards on 11 carries in Elliott’s absence.

Elliott hadn’t missed a game in his NFL career before he started serving his suspension. The second-year player totaled 737 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in his last five games.