UPDATE 8:10 a.m. Sunday Nov. 5: A new report confirms news first reported by SportsDay's David Moore two weeks ago that Ezekiel Elliott's camp is looking into a settlement with the NFL to have the Cowboys running back's suspension reduced.

A Sunday morning report from ESPN's Adam Schefter corroborates our past reporting that Elliott's representatives have talked about a settlement with the league, though no number was placed on a possible reduction of the suspension. But neither side is looking at settling at the moment, according to the report.

ORIGINAL STORY FROM OCT. 18 FOLLOWS

NEW YORK -- Ezekiel Elliott wants to fight for his name.

The NFL wants to ensure the commissioner's disciplinary powers remain strong.

Middle ground has been impossible to find during this protracted saga. But for the first time since both sides dug in for the long haul, a brief window has opened for the principals to seriously explore a compromise.

Sources said the two sides have discussed the possibility of a settlement. This should come as no surprise. There has been dialogue behind the scenes, one source asserts, after each court ruling along the way.

The level of sincerity present in those previous discussions is open to debate.

The NFL was in no mood to deal after arbiter Harold Henderson upheld the commissioner's six-game suspension. Elliott's side wasn't inclined to back down after they won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction from a court in Sherman.

The league regained its edge with last week's ruling in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Negotiations are about leverage. The side with the upper hand, especially in a battle as acrimonious as this one, often tends to overplay that hand, making a settlement unlikely.

Why is now different?

Well, Judge Paul Crotty in the Southern District of New York only granted Elliott a temporary restraining order. The two sides must turn to Judge Katherine Failla before the month is done to determine the status of the preliminary injunction.

That decision determines whether Elliott will begin serving his suspension during the season or if this legal wrangling is pushed into the offseason before it results in clarity.

It can be argued both sides have inflicted enough harm on the other at this stage to be amenable to a settlement. Elliott can claim a reduced suspension is an admission that the NFL overreached, not an admission of guilt on his part. The NFL can acknowledge it made procedural mistakes in the investigation and process and avoid a potential negative ruling that would undermine future discipline.

Now, the big question: what is that number for both sides? Two games? Three?

If the two sides enter serious negotiations now, Judge Failla won't have to hear this case when she returns from vacation.

Catch David Moore on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) with The Musers at 9:35 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and The Hardline at 4:10 p .m. every Tuesday and Friday through the regular season.

MORE ZEKE

Ezekiel Elliott explains why he's still waging legal fight with the NFL

Elliott cleared to play Sunday vs. 49ers, but why relief is temporary

Michael Irvin: If I were in charge of Cowboys, I might tell Ezekiel Elliott 'take the six games right now'

Realistic expectations for Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden in Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott's absence

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