First Call: NFL admits blown call in Steelers-Ravens game; key Miami injury update; Tristan Jarry trade rumor
Tuesday’s “First Call” has an admission from the NFL about blowing a call in the Steelers-Ravens game. There is a key injury update surrounding Steelers-Dolphins on “Monday Night Football.”
The Penguins open a long home stand against a high-scoring opponent, and we have some Tristan Jarry trade rumors.
Walking it back
The NFL has admitted that its officials got an important call wrong during the Steelers’ 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
That’s according to Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh. He told the media Monday that the Ravens got a phone call from the league telling the club that the referees were incorrect when they penalized defensive tackle Travis Jones for unnecessary roughness on Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz during a field goal rush in the first half.
“It was the wrong call. It should not have been called,” Harbaugh said via the team’s website, adding that the league permitted him to disclose that information.
i didn’t know you can’t rush between the Center and LG? questionable to me @ravens @steelers #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Y6Cjw2INa2
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 7, 2025
During the broadcast, and again on WDVE on Monday, CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore had a similar assessment.
That said, Harbaugh found no such satisfaction while seeking clarification on the two plays that involved possession of a catch — an overturned touchdown by tight end Isaiah Likely, and an overturned interception of a batted pass thrown by Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers.
“It’s about as clear as mud right now,” Harbaugh said of the catch rule.
“It’s very hard to understand how they get overturned. But they did. And that’s where it stands.”
The Ravens are now 6-7, a game behind Pittsburgh for first place in the AFC North with one head-to-head contest remaining in Week 18.
More sports
• Tim Benz: So much from Steelers-Ravens was overshadowed by officiating debates
• Former Steeler Ryan Shazier reunites with medical team that treated him in Cincinnati
• 5 things we learned: In AFC North, Steelers control destiny, but so do 2nd-place Ravens
• NFL rules analyst Gene Steratore explains where officials were right, wrong in Steelers-Ravens game
Trending to play
One challenge facing the Steelers on Monday night in their next game against Miami will be containing Dolphins star running back De’Von Achane. He has 1,126 rushing yards, third-most in the NFL.
The 24-year-old Texas A&M product had 92 yards and a touchdown versus the New York Jets on Sunday.
CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP#ProBowlVote @ffvmousvon_ ???? pic.twitter.com/LLvJfKGrar
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 7, 2025
However, Achane suffered a rib injury during the game and was limited to just seven carries. Jaylen Wright soaked up most of the rushing duties and went off for 107 yards and a touchdown on 24 attempts.
On Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel said that Achane had imaging done after the game. No fracture was detected, and the running back is “highly motivated” to play in Pittsburgh.
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane rib injury Sunday came from falling on ball. He was adamant to Mike McDaniel he could have returned to game and he’s highly motivated to play next Monday vs. Steelers.
No fracture, he had MRI. Just treatment and maybe a little practice rest. Good news.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 8, 2025
Miami’s rushing offense is No. 8 in the NFL at 126.5 yards per game. The Steelers have allowed 249 yards and 217 yards in back-to-back games on the ground against Buffalo and Baltimore.
Keep ’em coming
The Penguins are continuing their tough streak of opponents when the Anaheim Ducks fly into PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday night.
They lead the Pacific Division with 37 points. This game is on the heels of the Penguins beating Tampa Bay, 4-3, on Thursday. The Lightning were atop the Atlantic Division at the time and are currently in second place.
Then Dan Muse’s club went to Dallas and lost in a shootout 3-2. The Stars have 45 points, second most in the NHL. Only Central Division rival Colorado (48) has more.
The Ducks have won three of their past four games, including a 7-1 win over Chicago on Sunday. However, the one loss in that bunch of games was a 7-0 defeat against Utah.
Anaheim averages 3.59 goals per game. Only Colorado (3.97) averages more. However, the Ducks allow 3.28 goals per game. They rank 23rd in goal prevention.
The Penguins are in the top Eastern Conference wild card spot with 34 points in 27 games. They’ve gathered points in three straight contests and six of their last seven.
This is the first of five straight home games for the Pens. Montreal, San Jose, Utah and Edmonton all come to town between Tuesday night and Dec. 16.
All or nothing
Speaking of the Penguins, there are some very specific Tristan Jarry trade rumors floating around.
There have long been rumblings that the Edmonton Oilers may want to acquire the Pittsburgh goalie. But according to Elliotte Friedman on his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas won’t deal Jarry unless the Oilers absorb his entire cap hit of $5.375 million over the next three years.
“The Penguins have made it very clear that if they were going to do this, there was going to be no retention,” Friedman said. “That’s going to be very hard for them to do. The Oilers are capped tight. Right now, they’ve got a lot of injuries, and guys just in and out. They’re barely carrying extra players. Their roster is stuck. So they really couldn’t do a lot of stuff, even if they wanted to.”
The Oilers have 31 points. Currently, that’s good for a Western Conference wild card spot. But their goals-against-per-game average of 3.45 is 28th in the NHL.
Jarry is 9-2-1 this season with a 2.54 GAA and a save percentage of .913.
Listen: This week’s “Madden Monday” podcast with Tim Benz and Mark Madden on the Steelers, Penguins, NHL, NFL and college football playoff
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
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