Though some in the media believed that the league would resolve the appeal of running back Cedric Benson’s three-game suspension by now, the more accurate position always has been that this one will take some time.
It will take some time because there are several moving parts. In addition to the appeal of the suspension under the personal conduct policy, Benson is pursuing a non-injury grievance under the CBA, based on the allegation that the league lacks jurisdiction to punish him for off-duty conduct occurring during the lockout.
Benson also has filed an unfair labor practices charge with the National Labor Relations Board against his union, the NFL Players Association. Per a source with knowledge of the proceedings, Benson will be meeting today with the NLRB.
It’s expected that the league will defer any ruling on the appeal of the suspension until these other proceedings have been resolved.
So, in other words, Benson will likely continue to be practicing during the weeks and playing on Sundays.