First Call: Steelers reportedly plan to sign a receiver to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster; Ravens fail to break rushing record

Tuesday’s “First Call” tells us which NFL wide receiver may join the Steelers to replace an injured JuJu Smith-Schuster.

We also see if the Baltimore Ravens could break their tie with the Steelers for that NFL team rushing mark. You get some info on Penguins gambling lines before the 2021-22 NHL season starts. And Duquesne’s new starting quarterback earns conference honors.

A replacement for JuJu

With JuJu Smith-Schuster likely out for the rest of the season thanks to a shoulder injury, it appears the Steelers are grabbing another former high-round draft pick to fill the void.

According to NFL writer Aaron Wilson, the Steelers are going to sign free agent wide receiver Anthony Miller.

Anthony Miller didn't sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad after visiting them Monday, according to a league source, and instead he plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad @SportsTalk790

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 11, 2021

NFL.com’s Aditi Kinkhabwala had previously reported that Miller would at least be coming to town for a physical.

In 2018, Miller was a second-round pick of the Chicago Bears, catching seven touchdowns. The next season, he set career highs with 52 receptions and 656 yards. He was traded to the Houston Texans back in July. In two games with Houston, Miller caught five passes for 23 yards and a touchdown. He was released on Oct. 6.

Record rejected

You know that Steelers’ rushing record the Baltimore Ravens tried so hard to tie last week against the Denver Broncos?

Well, they didn’t end up breaking it.

John Harbaugh’s offense managed to go 43 games in a row with at least 100 yards rushing as a team, tying a mark set by the Steelers of 1974-77. They did so by risking quarterback Lamar Jackson on a meaningless run at the end of the game in Denver last week.

The @Ravens keep the streak of 100-yard rushing games alive, tying the NFL record of 43 games. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/aluv7h4y03

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021

That act angered Broncos coach Vic Fangio, who sniped at Harbaugh. The next day, Harbaugh returned the serve, saying Fangio’s criticism meant nothing to him.

However, when the Ravens tried to break the record Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts, it didn’t go so well. They only totaled 86 yards on the ground, part of the reason the Colts held a 25-9 fourth quarter lead.

But Lamar Jackson led a charge back through the air. The Ravens quarterback went 37 of 43 for 442 yards and four touchdowns, and the Ravens forced overtime on a touchdown reception and two-point conversion catch from tight end Mark Andrews.

WALKOFF TOUCHDOWN!

Back in action Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS! pic.twitter.com/42SyPE7qKG

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 12, 2021

Jackson would then hit Marquise Brown for a game-winning touchdown in overtime. Baltimore is now alone atop the AFC North at 4-1.

Penguins payout

It appears the gambling public still has more faith than not in the Pittsburgh Penguins.

That’s despite not having Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to start the 2021 season.

According to BetRivers.com, the Pens are a minus-186 bet to qualify for the playoffs, a +150 payout to miss.

Mike Sullivan’s team is 10th on the odds board at +2400 to win the Stanley Cup. The New York Islanders (+1600), Carolina Hurricanes (+2000) and New York Rangers (+2300) are all Metropolitan Division teams listed ahead of the Pens. The Colorado Avalanche are a +500 favorite.

The Pens and Washington Capitals are tied for the fourth slot when it comes to winning the Metro Division at +550. The Islanders are a +325 favorite.

As for their over-under point total, it’s been set at 94.5. They are +165 underdogs on the money line for Tuesday night’s opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

Darius’ day

Duquesne quarterback Darius Perrantes was named NEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in a 39-34 victory against Bryant Saturday. Sacred Heart running back Malik Grant shared the honor.

It’s the second such award for Perrantes in four starts. The Rhode Island transfer completed 29 of 41 passes for a career-high 316 yards and three touchdowns in the comeback win.

TOUCHDOWN DUQUESNE! Davie Henderson snags the 26-yard touchdown reception from Perrantes!!!#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/zZtL36JwwX

— Duquesne Football (@DuqFB) October 9, 2021

He added seven rushes for 38 yards and a score, as well.

Darius Perrantes keeps it himself for the Duquesne touchdown!

9:22 2Q | Dukes 14, Bryant 14#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/uZVhB7Ckzz

— Duquesne Football (@DuqFB) October 9, 2021

Perrantes’ 29 completions are tied for the fourth most in a single game in school history and were the most by a Duquesne quarterback since Dillon Buechel completed 33 passes in the Dukes’ FCS playoff game at William & Mary on Nov. 28, 2015.