This is simply a question of procedures and options for the NFL at this point. Again, we aren't talking the merits of the case and fundamental fairness. Simply, what can happen over the next few weeks.
Based on what was said above, Elliott has his TRO that makes him eligible for two weeks. There will be hearing for the prelim injunction around October 30th. If the judge issues the injunction, the NFL then has the option to appeal that injunction. The question then is will they appeal? As noted above, if the timing doesn't work out where the hearing on the appeal would be at the end of the season or in the offseason, there is probably no reason to appeal the injunction and just go on with the full suit. However, and this appears not exactly likely, if the NFL could somehow get a fast tracked hearing on the appeal of the injunction where it could still be possible for Elliott to serve his 6 games this year, they have the option to appeal the injunction.