NEW YORK — Running back Ezekiel Elliott said he felt a “burst of adrenalin” surge through the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room Friday after a court freed him to play Sunday rather than begin a six-game suspension. He also blasted the claims against him, saying: “I’m not an abuser.”

“My energy level is high like the rest of this team,” he said after a federal appeals judge in New York ruled Friday he can play at least one more game – at home against Kansas City – before a three-judge panel takes up his case.

His status after Sunday will be decided by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, perhaps as early as next week.

Elliott assailed what he said was the NFL’s attempt to muddy his name, saying a prolonged fight in the courts was worthwhile.

“This is bigger than a suspension. It’s bigger than football. Them trying to make me something I’m not. I’m not an abuser,” he said. “That’s not who I am. This is my name and this is my reputation. This is something I’m going to have to live with beyond football. Every day is worth fighting.”

NICK BUONICONTI, a Hall of Fame linebacker who played for the Boston Patriots in the 1960s and led the defense in the Miami Dolphins’ undefeated season in 1972, said he’ll donate his brain to CTE research upon his death.

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Buoniconti, 76, went public in May about suffering from dementia and symptoms of CTE, which can include depression, mood swings and aggressive behavior.

The disease can only be confirmed by studying brain tissue after death.

TEXANS: Coach Bill O’Brien confirmed that quarterback Deshaun Watson was out for the season, a day after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in one of his knees during practice.

Tom Savage, who started the season opener but was benched at halftime in favor of Watson, will make his fourth career start Sunday when the Texans meet Indianapolis.

FALCONS: Running back Devonta Freeman is expected to play against Carolina even after being limited in practice for the third straight day.

PANTHERS: Linebacker Thomas Davis was fined $48,620 by the NFL for his hit Sunday on Tampa Bay receiver Adam Humphries.

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RAIDERS: Oakland will be without three cornerbacks for Sunday night’s game at Miami: David Amerson (foot), Gareon Conley (shin) and Demetrius McCray (knee).

PACKERS: Green Bay activated linebacker Vince Biegel from the reserve/physically unable to perform list.

RAMS: Los Angeles placed safety Cody Davis on injured reserve.

TITANS: Tight end Delanie Walker’s playing status Sunday will be a game-time decision against Baltimore.


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