Elliott's lawyer, Frank Salzano, released the following statement to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport regarding Thursday's ruling:
"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. Until that time we have no further comment on the 5th circuit's decision."
The NFLPA is expected to re-file the case with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in order to keep Elliott playing, according to Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane Sports Law Program. The Cowboys have a bye this week and there's a chance Elliott might not miss a single game if the NFLPA refiles the case and is granted a TRO or preliminary injunction.
Elliott and the NFLPA have other legal options as well. They could seek an en banc hearing with the 5th Circuit or refile the case in Texas, according to Feldman.
"So the Players Association could ask the district court in New York or perhaps some other court to reinstate the preliminary injunction, which would put that suspension back on hold," Feldman said on NFL Network's TNF First Look. "So this is not over yet, particularly with the bye week, that Elliott will not serve the suspension.
"Again it's an uphill battle but it's possible to get that ruling in eight days," Feldman said. "Just because they get a ruling though doesn't mean it's a favorable ruling, but it's certainly in the realm of possibility."