In Wednesday’s “First Call,” one Steeler is “heartbroken” after getting a diagnosis on his injured knee. Another former Steeler is still unhappy about his departure from Pittsburgh. It’s been a bumpy ride for Justin Fields in New York so far.

And three Robert Morris hockey players are continuing their careers in the same country.

Delivering bad news

Via Instagram on Tuesday, Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry revealed the extent of his knee injury. Apparently, it’s a torn ACL, and his 2025 campaign is likely over just as it was beginning.

“During a training camp practice last week, I sustained an ACL injury that will likely end my season,” Lowry posted. “Hard to comprehend the thoughts and emotions I have felt since then. Heartbroken I won’t get to fully experience the highs and lows of an NFL season with a group I love going to work with. The risks associated with this game and the unique aspect of a football team are what make this sport like no other. I’m completely resolved to turn this negative into a positive with gratitude each step of the way.”

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Lowry spent last year with the Steelers, playing in nine games. He recorded a sack, three tackles, one deflected pass and a blocked kick.

The 31-year-old was in a battle for playing time and a roster spot after the Steelers added Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black and Daniel Ekuale to the defensive line this offseason.

Spillane’s story

Former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane did not paint a pretty picture of how he left the franchise for Las Vegas following the 2022 campaign.

In the spring of 2023, Spillane signed a two-year, $7 million contract to play in Vegas.

“Before I went into free agency, they told me, ‘Go out, test the market, see what you get. We’re going to offer whatever they give you. We want to make you a Steeler. We love you,’” Spillane said on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast. “I call them, ‘I got an offer from the Raiders. I want to come back. What’s the deal?’ They were like, ‘Good luck, have fun.’”

Spillane was bothered about how things transpired leaving Pittsburgh.

“They didn’t (want me back),” Spillane said. “It hurts to say that. It hurts to feel like that because you felt like you made all these great connections. You felt like you poured your heart on the line. You felt like you did everything to be a good team player. But at the end of the day, this is a business. They don’t always want you back.”

Now a New England Patriot, Spillane claims that experience added to the “chip on his shoulder,” but he appreciates the Raiders having faith in him.

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Rough ascent

Ex-Steeler Justin Fields hasn’t had an easy go of it so far in New York. That’s according to Connor Hughes, who covers the team for SNY-TV.

He says Fields “has done nothing to justify” the confidence the team has instilled in him as the starter with no competition. He claims Fields is struggling reading the defenses and going to the right receiver while “operating a little slower than the Jets would hope.”

Some thoughts on the #Jets passing attack after today’s practice pic.twitter.com/SEfJHysYTP

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 5, 2025

Hughes said that Fields was 9 for 17 with two interceptions on Tuesday, 15 for 43 over his last two practices.

It doesn’t sound like Fields is getting much help from his receivers, though. Hughes said quite a few of them are having issues with drops. Fields also injured a toe early in training camp.

Flying to Finland

Three former Robert Morris hockey players are heading overseas to play in Liiga, Finland’s top pro league.

Justin Addamo will join Jukurit. Santeri Hartikainen is going to play for HIFK, and Brian Kramer will play for SaiPa.

All three skaters were members of the program before its two-year shutdown that occurred after the 2021 postseason.

Kramer is from Wexford. He just won a national championship with Western Michigan. Addamo finished his college career at RPI. He most recently played a season in Czechia’s top league. Prior to that, he spent time in the AHL and ECHL, within the Pittsburgh Penguins’ affiliate system (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Wheeling Nailers).

Hartikainen, a native of Finland, moved on to AIC and eventually Long Island University to round out his NCAA experience. This will be his third year with HIFK Helsinki.

The Colonials open their third season since coming back to play Oct. 16 at Michigan.

Listen: Tim Benz discusses rumors about the Pirates trying to extend Paul Skenes to a long-term contract in our most recent Mike’s Beer Bar podcast

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