First Call: Complaints from Denver about the officiating in Steelers game; Justin Herbert injured prior to visit to Pittsburgh

Denver’s star player has some complaints about the officials following Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a leg injury in advance of his team’s visit to Acrisure Stadium next week.

James Conner continues to stand out in Arizona, and Paul Skenes hopes to continue to impress in St. Louis.

All that in Monday’s “First Call.”

Zero love for the zebras

The officials certainly made their imprint on the Steelers-Broncos game Sunday. The teams combined for 19 penalties (10 for Pittsburgh, nine for Denver) and 202 combined yards (78 for Pittsburgh, 124 for Denver).

Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II wasn’t happy with how the officials influenced the outcome.

“Penalties, some of them (were) kind of BS. But some of them (were), I guess, good calls,” Surtain said via video from DNVR. “At the end of the day, you’ve just got to focus on what you can control and move going forward from there.”

Surtain was one of those penalized. He drew three flags, actually. The most costly of which was a 37-yard pass-interference whistle that occurred in the third quarter while attempting to guard George Pickens.

However, the Pro Bowler didn’t put it all on the refs.

“I think we still let them off the hook on some plays, including myself,” Surtain said. “I have to get better in certain ways. That’s the hard part of the league. You win some, you lose some. So, we look forward to next week.”

Pickens ended up with only two catches for 39 yards. But he had a 51-yard catch and a separate touchdown reception taken off the board due to the Steelers’ penalties.

More sports

• Feats of Strength/Airing of Grievances: Defense, special teams win the day again as Steelers buck Broncos
• Steelers notebook: Broderick Jones benched after committing 3 penalties in 6-play span
• ACC reprimands, fines Pitt's Pat Narduzzi $5,000 for remarks about officiating after Backyard Brawl victory

Herbert’s health

The Steelers host the Los Angeles Chargers next week for the 2024 season opener at Acrisure Stadium. They are 2-0 after a win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

But the health of L.A. quarterback Justin Herbert is in question.

According to ESPN.com’s Kris Rhim, Herbert was limping after the game. The 26-year-old QB said he was rolled up during a third-quarter sack.

Justin Herbert said he got "rolled up" in the game, had an X-Ray done, and will know more in the coming days. He was limping postgame

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 15, 2024

The play resulted in a fumble.

Justin Herbert -

Bent backwards awkwardly while getting rolled up on.
Concern for Right high ankle and/or Right MCL sprain.

Of note: it was his right foot that was injured in camp.
He slowly walked off the field under his own power. pic.twitter.com/9KkGfutkxV

— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 15, 2024

Los Angeles won 26-3 anyway, though, as Herbert had to throw only 20 times, completing 14 for 130 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

Former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins has been a catalyst for new coach Jim Harbaugh thus far. He has 266 yards rushing over the first two games of the season.

Panther pride

Pitt Panther alum James Conner is continuing his hot play in Arizona.

The former Steelers running back put up 122 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday during a 41-10 win.

JC had to come say what’s up to the ????@JamesConner_ | @MichaelPhelps pic.twitter.com/u00rVJsX1b

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024

Via “PHNX Sports” Cardinals beat writer Craig Morgan, Conner has “at least one TD in seven consecutive games dating back to last season. That ties the franchise record for consecutive games with a TD.” Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. also had a huge game for Arizona, tallying four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Paul part three

Assuming Paul Skenes makes his Monday night start as scheduled against the St. Louis Cardinals, it’ll be his third meeting against the Pirates’ (71-78) long-time division rival, and his second in St. Louis.

The rookie’s first outing in Busch Stadium was one of his best. The 22-year-old right-hander pitched 6⅓ scoreless innings on June 11. He racked up eight strikeouts, walked no one, and scattered five hits as the Pirates went on to win 2-1.

He left to a standing ovation from the St. Louis fans.

A standing ovation on the road!

Nothing but respect for Paul Skenes in St. Louis last night. pic.twitter.com/iQ9gcIRexZ

— MLB (@MLB) June 12, 2024

His second outing against St. Louis was one of the more frustrating results of the season for the Pirates. They lost 2-1 to the Cardinals at PNC Park on July 23. Skenes took a 1-1 game into the top of the ninth. But he allowed a second run before being removed for Carmen Mlodzinski and Skenes suffered his first loss of the year to fall to 6-1.

That was one of four times the Pirates have lost while scoring just one run with Skenes as the starter. Again, he managed eight strikeouts without any walks.

Skenes will take the mound Monday with a 10-2 record and an ERA of 2.10. His strikeout-to-walk total is 151-to-31.

The Cards will counter with Andre Pallante. He is 6-8 with a 4.13 ERA. They have fallen below .500 with a 74-75 record and are 7½ games out of a wild card spot.