FRISCO, Texas -- Since training camp, Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott has had to deal with court-filled drama regarding whether he can or can’t play.

Earlier this week, Elliott said he will continue to fight the NFL’s six-game suspension because he is fighting for his name. While noble, what is happening in the court system now is not about what may or may not have happened in July 2016 in Columbus, Ohio, with a former girlfriend.

It is now about the NFL Players Association's fight against the authority NFL commissioner Roger Goodell holds when it comes to disciplining players.

People will believe what they want to believe regarding what may or may not have happened between Elliott and Tiffany Thompson.

In addition to saying he is fighting for his name, Elliott also said the legal fight has been a “little tiring.” In August, the suspension was announced. Shortly before the season opener, he won a preliminary injunction allowing him to play. Last week, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the injunction and Elliott was placed on the suspended list. On Tuesday, a New York judge granted Elliott a restraining order that will keep him on the field for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers and perhaps next week’s game against the Washington Redskins.

All of that brings us to this week’s Twitter question:

Is Zeke distracted by his up and down issues with the suspension drama or are we still waiting on O-line to gel

— Darrell T (@darrellatx) October 20, 2017

Coach Jason Garrett has said several times, from training camp through this week, that Elliott has done a good job of maintaining his focus on the field. QB Dak Prescott has said Elliott remains the same guy now that he was last year. TE Jason Witten has said the same thing.

Athletes have a tremendous ability to compartmentalize things. They can block out outside issues and not bring issues with them to work.

But how would you do if you were facing these issues? How would it not affect you at least a little bit? These guys are human.

Now, is that the reason Elliott is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry? I wouldn’t say it is the sole reason. But it would have to be part of it. As would the offensive line issues. The Cowboys have two new starters on the line. They are on their second left guard (Jonathan Cooper over Chaz Green). La’el Collins has had up-and-down moments at right tackle. The Cowboys have played better defenses, for the most part, in the early part of the season.

And Elliott has not been as dynamic. He has not followed his landmarks that are required in the zone running game. If a play is not supposed to bounce outside, he can’t go outside. That puts his blockers in a bad spot, which can lead to negative runs.

In the fourth quarter of Dallas' 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Elliott looked the best he has all season. He carried 13 times for 85 yards in the fourth quarter alone (29 carries for 116 yards overall). He hit the right holes. He was decisive with his cuts. He broke tackles. The blocking was better.

The Cowboys hope that was the start of something good for Elliott.

But they don’t know how long it will last because another hearing is scheduled soon that could affect his eligibility.