Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy will appeal his 10-game suspension, according to reports.

The 26-year-old was handed the ban for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy for his involvement in a domestic incident with his ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder.

NFL Media reports that the Cowboys expected Hardy to be handed a six-game ban at most, and had anticipated a four-game ban.

Hardy missed most of last season as the league investigated the incident, and the report says that it is understood he will appeal the ban in the hope of reducing it to nearer the six games his team expected.

Hardy could make his Cowboys debut on Thanksgiving against his former side, the Carolina Panthers.