NFL wins appeal and can suspend Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott

A federal appeals court cleared the way Thursday for the NFL to impose a six-game suspension on Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott over domestic violence allegations, siding with the league in the latest high-profile fight over its ability to punish players for off-field behavior.

In a 2-1 decision, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in New Orleans granted the league's emergency request to set aside an injunction and ordered a district court in Texas to dismiss Elliott's case.

The NFL announced that the suspension was effective immediately, though further appeals were possible and the Cowboys are not playing this weekend.

"We are currently exploring all of our legal options and will make a decision as to what is the best course of action in the next few days," Elliott attorney Frank Salzano said.

The Cowboys don't play again until next Sunday, Oct. 22, at San Francisco. If Elliott's legal team can't put the suspension on hold again, he won't be eligible to play until Nov. 30 at home against Washington, a Thursday night game the week after Thanksgiving. Elliott played the first five games as Dallas went 2-3 in a disappointing start.

Injured Packers running back Ty Montgomery has a chance to play Sunday at Minnesota. Montgomery was listed as full participant for a second straight day Thursday while wearing a flak jacket to protect broken ribs sustained against Chicago on Sept. 28. The practice Thursday was the lone padded workout of the week and a key in determining his availability.

"I played with one in high school," Montgomery said. "It's very normal. A flak jacket is very normal. It's not in the way or anything." Montgomery said he "felt fine" after getting hit a couple times.

Tennessee receiver Rishard Matthews said he would be done playing football when asked on Twitter if he would accept a fine or penalty if the NFL instituted a new rule for the national anthem, then later deleted the tweet.

Matthews' response to a reporter from his verified account was captured by a screen grab. The receiver has stayed in the locker room during the national anthem through the past two games in protest of President Donald Trump's comments on NFL players. Matthews was not available after practice.

• The Giants suspended cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who walked out of the team's "recovery day" session last Friday. Then, reportedly upset with his playing time during Sunday's loss to the Chargers, Rodgers-Cromartie slammed his helmet to the ground and left the field for the locker room. He eventually returned to the sideline, but on Tuesday he met with coach Ben McAdoo, who told him he would be fined and placed on the inactive list for Sunday's game.

• Raiders QB Derek Carr, after sitting out last week because of a broken bone in his back, is on target to return Sunday when the Raiders host the Chargers (1-4).

• Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert will miss the rest of the season because of a back injury.

• Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch has resumed throwing after almost seven weeks out because of a sprained shoulder and said that he aims to return to action this season.