8:30PM PT -- The NFL released a statement saying Elliott's suspension "remains in place" ... adding "the order from the district court is administrative and does not in any way change the appeals court's order vacating the preliminary injunction."

However, according to a report, the NFLPA believes the ruling puts Zeke's suspension back on hold.

In other words ... the NFL and Players Association disagree on the interpretation of the court's ruling.

Ezekiel Elliott's on-again, off-again 6-game NFL suspension has reportedly been turned back OFF ... but still looms large for the Dallas Cowboys running back.

As we previously reported ... a federal appeals court threw out a lower court's ruling Thursday that was allowing Zeke to play this season, so his suspension became effective again immediately.

But ... Elliott's lawyers made their move in the past 2 days and filed for a rehearing, and according to ProFootballTalk, the judge ruled his suspension will not begin until the court decides if he gets the rehearing or not.

So, what does this mean for the Cowboys and fantasy football owners??? Zeke can still play!!! Well ... for now.

The Boys are on a bye this week, so if the court decides to deny Zeke's petition for a rehearing before next week ... his 6-game suspension will be reinstated and he won't be on the field against the Niners.

Wonder what Jerry Jones thinks about this?