Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott was suspended six games by the NFL on Friday, for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Elliott is expected to appeal the suspension. Elliott, 22, was investigated by the league for an alleged domestic violence incident in 2016 with his ex-girlfriend Tiffany Thompson.  Elliott has not been arrested or charged with domestic violence in that incident.

Obviously, this could have a huge impact on the Cowboys in 2017. While they do have a top-flight offensive line, Dallas will have a hard time replacing a guy with Elliott’s ability, and production.

Hall of Famer Kurt Warner believes Elliott’s suspension will impact the Cowboys’ season:

“I don’t know how it can’t. You got the leading rusher in the league last year,” Warner told TMZ Sports. “A guy who is a rookie, and only going to get better, so you have to believe it’s going to affect them big picture wise. Six games and I know they have some tough games to start the season, so it’s a big blow for the Cowboys.”

In the first six games, Dallas plays two playoff teams from 2016 (Giants, Packers), two teams that could make the playoffs in 2017(@ Broncos @ Cardinals), and two teams that were awful last season (Rams, @ 49ers). The schedule is tough, but manageable. They could be 4-2, 3-3 at worse without Zeke. 

Elliott’s suspension hurts, but the Cowboys should be good enough to survive.