Chiefs will likely face Ezekiel Elliot despite rumored suspension

Adam Schefter says that a suspension is likely coming for Ezekiel Elliot, but don’t expect the Chiefs to get lucky enough to not face him.

One of the most difficult games on the Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule this offseason is the mid-season contest against the Dallas Cowboys. It takes the Chiefs on the road in Week 9 to play in Jerry’s World, and it’s going to be a tough game for both teams as they try to eek out an important non-conference win. For Chiefs fans hoping that the latest news involving Ezekiel Elliot would potentially tip the scales toward an easier game, it’s not going to happen.

Adam Schefter has a report that Elliot is likely going to face a short suspension from the NFL for domestic violence allegations from 2016. The investigation is still ongoing, but it’s clear that there’s enough smoke to punish Elliot to some level. The full report from Schefter is below:

A short suspension certainly wouldn’t reach as far as Week 9, and even if Schefter is wrong and the investigation turns up hard evidence, it’s unlikely that Elliot would have to miss more than a half season. If he has to miss the first eight games, then that final game would be the Cowboys’ home contest against the visiting Chiefs. If so, then there’s a sliver of hope that last year’s league-leading rusher might have to sit out.

That said, the reality is that the Chiefs will likely face the Cowboys at full strength, with their incredible offensive line providing a path for Elliot to inflict damage. The Chiefs’ run defense was already suspect last season, so Bob Sutton has to hope that offseason acquisitions like Bennie Logan and the return of players like Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson from injury will be enough to change those fortunes, especially against the likes of one of the league’s elite backs.