SHERMAN, Texas — An arbitrator denied Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal of a six-game suspension in a domestic violence case Tuesday, but the 2016 NFL rushing champion will play in the opener because of the timing of the decision.

Elliott attorney Jeffrey Kessler told the judge near the end of a nearly 21/2-hour hearing in federal court that Elliott’s suspension was sustained by arbitrator Harold Henderson.

At the start of the hearing, NFL attorney Daniel Nash told the judge it was “his understanding” that Elliott could play Sunday night against the Giants because Henderson’s ruling came too late in the day for it to be enforced this weekend.

U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant said he would rule on Elliott’s request for a temporary restraining order by Friday.

“We are extremely disappointed with Mr. Henderson’s inability to navigate through league politics, and follow the evidence, and, most importantly, his (sic) conscience,” attorneys Frank Salzano and Scott Rosenblum said in a statement.

Elliott was suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the league concluded he had several physical confrontations last summer with Tiffany Thompson, a former girlfriend. Prosecutors in Ohio didn’t pursue the case, citing conflicting evidence.

The 22-year-old Elliott denied the allegations in sworn testimony during an appeal hearing last week. He attended Tuesday’s hearing in Sherman, about 65 miles north of Dallas.

FALCONS: Atlanta completed its roster for Sunday’s opener at Chicago by signing linebacker Jordan Tripp, who played nine games last season for Seattle and Green Bay.

CARDINALS: Arizona beefed up its offensive line by signing guard Alex Boone to a one-year contract.

JETS: The Jets signed wide receiver Jeremy Kerley to a one-year deal, reuniting with a player who spent his first five NFL seasons with the franchise.

To make room on the roster, the Jets waived fullback Julian Howsare.

BUCS-DOLPHINS: The Miami Dolphins’ season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not be played in Miami this week, but may be moved to a neutral site because of Hurricane Irma, the NFL said.

If the game is not relocated, it will be postponed until November, when the teams share the same bye week.

Kickoff had been scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, but Irma is forecast to threaten South Florida this weekend. The NFL decided against switching the game to Thursday night in Miami.

BILLS: The Bills placed third-string quarterback T.J. Yates on the injured reserve list in making a series of moves before their season opener against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Yates sustained a concussion in a 13-9 loss at Baltimore on Aug. 26, and also lost the backup job to rookie Nathan Peterman. He became expendable after Buffalo signed Joe Webb on Monday.

Buffalo also cut defensive tackle Deandre Coleman on Tuesday.

The moves freed up space for Buffalo to sign safety Colt Anderson, who was released a day earlier, and defensive tackle Cedric Thornton.

RAIDERS: Oakland placed second-round pick Obi Melifonwu on injured reserve, forcing the safety to miss at least the first eight games of the season.

The Raiders also placed offensive lineman Denver Kirkland on injured reserve. Oakland signed safety Erik Harris and linebacker Xavier Woodson-Luster to the active roster.

BROWNS: Defensive tackle T.Y. McGill has been charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession in North Carolina.

A team spokesman said the Browns have spoken directly about the criminal complaint with McGill, who was claimed off waivers last week from Indianapolis. It’s not clear if McGill’s legal issue will affect his status with the Browns. He’s also subject to discipline by the NFL.

The Browns were not aware McGill had been charged before they claimed him.

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