The 49ers may not have to face Ezekiel Elliott on Oct. 22.
The Cowboys' running back has been suspended six games by the NFL, the league announced on Friday morning.
The suspension stems from a year-long domestic violence investigation.
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News of the suspension was first reported by ESPN.
Elliott will reportedly appeal the suspension. The 49ers and Cowboys play in Week 7, but Dallas' bye week falls in Week 6, so if the suspension is not reduced via appeal, Elliott won't be eligible to return until Week 8 against Washington.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott ran for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns during his rookie season.
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Ezekiel Elliott tweeted out the following statement on his suspension at 6:06 p.m. PT