Union appeals Elliott’s suspension, blasts Goodell

The NFL Players Association has appealed Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension over the league’s conclusion that its 2016 rushing leader injured his former girlfriend in three separate incidents last summer.

The union said Tuesday it will represent Elliott “to ensure that the NFL is held to its obligation of adhering to principles of industrial due process under the collective bargaining agreement.”

The NFL suspended Elliott last week after a yearlong investigation into an Ohio domestic violence case that prosecutors declined to pursue. Elliott’s attorneys blasted Commissioner Roger Goodell’s ruling, saying the league “cherry-picked” evidence to reach its conclusion.

A hearing with Goodell or an arbitrator will be scheduled within 10 days.

Hyder out for season: The Detroit Lions have put defensive end Kerry Hyder on injured reserve after he hurt his Achilles tendon in Sunday’s preseason game at Indianapolis.

Coach Jim Caldwell said after that game that the injury looked “significant” but the Lions hadn’t made an official announcement on any change in Hyder’s status until Tuesday.

Hyder led the Lions with eight sacks last season after having played only one NFL game previously. Eagles’ Matthews cut: The Philadelphia Eagles released Ryan Mathews after the former Pro Bowl running back was cleared to return to football activities following neck surgery. Mathews played two seasons with the Eagles after spending his first five years in San Diego. He had 1,200 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns for Philadelphia.

Raiders support Lynch: Whether he chooses to sit or stand during future renditions of the national anthem, Marshawn Lynch has the support of his Oakland Raiders teammates and coaches.

Head coach Jack Del Rio told USA TODAY Sports that he encourages his players to “be themselves.”

“We want to have a collection of individuals that come together as a team to play football. We don't need everybody in the organization to think the same way I think, or have the same feelings that I have about different topics,” Del Rio said. Mowins to call NFL games: Beth Mowins will become the first woman to call NFL play-by-play for CBS.

Mowins will team with former NFL kicker Jay Feely for her debut Sept. 24, when Cleveland plays at Indianapolis.

Mowins will start the season calling a Monday night NFL game between the Chargers and Broncos for ESPN.