NFL News Tuesday, August 15: T.J. Watt Starts, Elliott files, Ross Returns

NFL news? We’ve got you covered! The following are the Grueling Truth’s top stories from around the league for Tuesday, August 15th.

1) T.J. Watt named starter for Steelers
Making his preseason debut Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ newest pass rusher was a fixture in the New York Giants’ backfield, recording two sacks, another quarterback hit and a trademark Watt pass deflection. Coach Joey Porter announced that Watt will start and veteran James Harrison will be more of a relief pitcher for the Steelers defense.

2) Ezekiel Elliott to file appeal late Tuesday or Wednesday
The Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott will seek to shorten his six-game suspension attacking the credibility of his accuser. He will file later today or tomorrow.

3) Bengals WR John Ross finally practices
John Ross practiced for the first time on Monday, having undergone shoulder surgery in March; Monday was full-go in 11-on-11s. If John Ross stays healthy, he makes the Cincinnati Bengals receiving corps one of the most explosive in the NFL.

4) Lions DE Kerry Hyder out for the season
The Lions’ worst fears have been realized, announcing yesterday that Hyder will miss the entire 2017 season. The news is obviously a downer for a defense pleasantly surprised by Hyder’s emergence a year ago. A former undrafted free agent, Hyder posted eight sacks and a pass breakup last year. This is bad news for a Lions team that has struggled to get to the Quarterback over the last year.

5) Chargers hoping for WR Mike Williams’ return in October
First round pick Mike Williams and the Los Angeles Chargers are eyeing a possible October return. Barring any setbacks, he can practice in September, then he can work his way into a game in October. Potentially, Williams could be available for the bulk of the season.

No decision has been made on whether he’ll start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It’s possible, but he also might not because he could play in a game sooner than Week 7. Williams is needed by the Chargers to give QB Phillip Rivers more weapons and the quicker he returns the better for the Chargers.

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