Elliott ends appeal of suspension

By The Associated Press

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has ended his legal fight with five games remaining on a six-game suspension over alleged domestic violence.

Elliott’s agents said Wednesday the decision by last year’s NFL rushing leader “is in no way an admission of wrongdoing.”

Wednesday was the 96th day since commissioner Roger Goodell announced the suspension. Elliott served the first game in Dallas’ 27-7 loss to Atlanta last weekend. By accepting the ban, Elliott is eligible to return for the final two games of the regular season: Dec. 24 against Seattle and Dec. 31 at Philadelphia.

The defending NFC East champion Cowboys (5-4) are three games behind the division-leading Eagles (8-1). Dallas faces a difficult task without Elliott.

Elliott was suspended by Goodell in August after the league concluded after a yearlong investigation that he had several physical confrontations in the summer of 2016 with his girlfriend at the time.

Prosecutors in Ohio didn’t file charges, citing conflicting evidence. Elliott denied the allegations under oath during his NFL appeal.

The suspension prompted weeks of court hearings resulting in three reprieves that kept Elliott on the field.

Chargers

Philip Rivers practiced Wednesday after reporting symptoms of a possible concussion earlier in the week. Rivers has started 194 consecutive games for the Chargers since 2006.