League seeks quick ruling in Elliott case
The NFL filed an emergency motion in federal appeals court Friday, hoping to get a swift ruling on its request to overrule a judge who blocked a six-game suspension for Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott in a domestic violence case in Columbus.
The league filed its request with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, even though a federal judge in Texas hasn’t ruled on a request to put the injunction on hold while an appeal is pursued. The emergency motion asks the court to rule on the request to suspend U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant’s injunction as early as Tuesday, the start of the practice week before the Cowboys’ third game of the season against Arizona.
If the ruling isn’t made by Tuesday, the NFL is asking for a decision by Sept. 26, the start of practice before Dallas’ Week 4 home game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Elliott had already been cleared to play in a 19-3 win over the New York Giants in the season opener before Mazzant granted his request for an injunction. Last year’s NFL rushing leader will play Sunday at Denver under Mazzant’s ruling.
Elliott, 22, was suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell in August after the league concluded following a yearlong investigation that the former Ohio State standout had several physical confrontations last summer in Columbus with his girlfriend at the time.
The NFL contends Mazzant’s ruling was an unnecessary interference in the league’s labor deal with the players.
“Put differently, the six-game suspension approved by the arbitrator will ultimately stand, and no one’s interests are served by delaying that discipline based on a misguided order by a district court that lacked jurisdiction,” the NFL wrote in its motion.
Watson’s legs put charge in Texans
Deshaun Watson decided to dress in style for his first NFL start, in a black tux and bowtie. The clothes and the moment were a perfect fit.
Watson scrambled 49 yards for the game’s only touchdown Thursday, leading the injurydepleted Houston Texans to a 13-9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He avoided the big mistake, made the game-turning play, and led Houston (1-1) to a clinching field goal in the closing minutes.
“It was insane,” defensive end Christian Covington said of the rookie’s touchdown run. “That’s why he is who he is. The whole sideline went crazy. That was a game-sealing touchdown right there.”
Watson was working with an offense missing three tight ends to concussions, plus a receiver and a guard. He ran five times for 67 yards and completed 15 of 24 passes for 125 yards with no interceptions and three sacks.
“I don’t really get nervous when I step on the field,” Watson said. “Football is football. This is what I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.”
Raiders ink Penn to extension
The Oakland Raiders signed offensive lineman Donald Penn to a two-year, $21 million extension, ensuring the Pro Bowl left tackle will remain with the team through the 2019 season.
Penn, 34, had missed much of training camp and the preseason while holding out in search of a new contract. He is making $5.8 million in base salary this season but had been looking for a deal that would put him in the top 10 of offensive linemen.