The NFL is expected to announce Ezekiel Elliott will be suspended six games for his domestic violence incident, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. An appeal is expected, and must be filed within three days, according to Schefter. Six games is the league’s so-called baseline, but they have shown repeatedly that the only policy they have is one of inconsistency.
The Dallas Cowboys have a bye in Week 6, which means the suspension wouls carry through Week 7. The 49ers host the Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium that week, which means Elliott would not take part in that game, pending his appeal and any potential lawsuit.
Elliott’s absence would mean that Darren McFadden and/or Alfred Morris would likely be the starter in that game. Ronnie Hillman is competing for an opportunity along with them. Morris provides another Kyle Shanahan player reunion this season. Washington selected Morris in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and his first two seasons were spent with Kyle Shanahan serving as his offensive coordinator, and Bobby Turner as his running backs coach for three seasons. He is one of many mid-to-late round picks Shanahan and Turner have turned into a steal. 49ers fans are hoping the same comes of Joe Williams and/or Matt Breida.