Elliott energized after suspension is blocked

Ezekiel Elliott felt a “burst of adrenalin” surge through the Dallas Cowboys locker room after a court freed him to play Sunday rather than begin a six-game suspension. He also blasted the claims against him, saying: “I’m not an abuser.”

“My energy level is high like the rest of this team,” the star running back said at his locker after a federal appeals judge in New York ruled Friday he can play at least one more game — at home against Kansas City — before a three-judge panel takes up his case. His status after Sunday will be decided by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, perhaps as early as next week.

Elliott assailed what he said was the NFL’s attempt to muddy his name, saying a prolonged fight in the courts was worthwhile.

“This is bigger than a suspension. It’s bigger than football. Them trying to make me something I’m not. I’m not an abuser,” he said.

Etc.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will have running back Leonard Fournette and center Brandon Linder back in the starting lineup Sunday against Cincinnati. ... Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Washington due to a strained hamstring . ... The Oakland Raiders will be without cornerbacks David Amerson (foot), Gareon Conley (shin) and Demetrius McCray (knee) for Sunday night’s game at Miami . ... The Houston Texans signed T.J. Yates, who was with the team in 2011-13 and 2015, to serve as backup quarterback. Coach Bill O’Brien said they would also sign QB Matt McGloin, who played for him at Penn State . ... Miami Dolphins Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti announced he will donate his brain to CTE research upon his death.