Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott takes case to federal appeals court

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has asked a federal appeals court to let him play the Chiefs on Sunday while he continues fighting his six-game suspension.

Elliott, whose bid for a stay was denied on Monday by Manhattan Federal Court Judge Katherine Failla, filed paperwork on Wednesday asking the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals for a reprieve. Lawyers for the NFL Players Association, which reps Elliott, had filed paperwork with the Second Circuit on Tuesday indicating they would appeal.

Unless the Second Circuit steps in, it will “irreparably [INJURE]the reputation and career of a young professional football player. Irreparable harm is demonstrable,” the NFL Players Association claims in court papers.

“Absent this Court’s intervention, Judge Failla’s erroneous decision will effectively become the final word before Elliott serves his entire suspension,” the NFL Players Association also maintains.

The NFL Players Association is also asking the Second Circuit to expedite the appeal, as well block Elliott’s suspension while his appeal is pending.

The NFL declined to comment. The NFL Players Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

If the Second Circuit doesn’t grant Elliott's emergency request, he is also likely to miss games against the Falcons, Eagles, Chargers, Washington and the Giants.