FRISCO, Texas _ One of the reasons suspended running back Ezekiel Elliott conceded his legal fight with the NFL was to no longer be a distraction to his teammates and gain a sense of closure.
The Dallas Cowboys know he will be back for the Dec. 24 game against the Seattle Seahawks and can focus on doing the best they can to stay in the playoff race until he returns, rather than concern themselves with another roller coaster court hearing.
Either way, the Cowboys remain supportive of Elliott and never considered his situation a distraction.
"Again that hasn't really been an issue for our team," coach Jason Garrett said. "The whole issue of a distraction has impacted people outside of our building. Inside of the building, Zeke handled the right way all throughout the process. The team handled it the right way, locked in and focused on the things we can control."
Tight end Jason Witten respects the decision Elliott made.
"I was really impressed with how Zeke went about it, that process, and I know that he and his team were trying to fight for what they felt was right and I think he went about it the right way," Witten said. "I respect his decision and his team's decision and know that he's going to do everything in his power to get back when his number is called in four weeks and be in the best shape and mindset he can be in to help us down the stretch. And hopefully we're holding up our end to be in position that we're in the hunt when he gets back."
