Tuesday’s “First Call”examines a unique defense strategy for Ja’Marr Chase in his appeal for spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Justin Fields is getting benched in New York. George Pickenswas already benchedfor Dallas.

A local college hockey teamis rankedfor the first time, and the Duquesne-Robert Morris rivalry in women’s basketball is about to have another installment.

‘Your honor, if I may …’

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is appealing his one-gamesuspension for spitting on Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

According toNFL.com’sIan Rapoport, the premise of Chase’s appeal is, basically, if “I meant to spit on him, I would’ve spit higher.”

Via “NFL Gameday” on Monday evening, Rapoport said of Chase’s defense, “His argument essentially being, as far as I understand, if he was going to spit on Jalen Ramsey, he would’ve spit on his face rather than on the floor or on his jersey.”

Bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for him.

If Chase loses his appeal, the Bengals will have to play Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots without him.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, former Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson will be the hearing officer.

Forgetting Fields

The New York Jets are benching former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. Tyrod Taylor is taking over as the starter as the Jets prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens.

That’s according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

The Jets also sat down Fields during the club’s Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He was 6 of 12 for 46 yards, three sacks and a passer rating of 59.7.

So far this year, Fields is 128 for 204 (62.7%) for 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 89.5. He’s taken 27 sacks, fourth most in the NFL.

Thisfeels familiar

Former Steeler George Pickens and fellow starting wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb were both benched to open Dallas’“Monday Night Football”game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

MNF’s Lisa Salters reported that the benchings were not injury related and this was a coach’s decision for unspecified reasons.

However, both of the pass catchers got into the game and scored touchdowns in the first half.

Pickens ended up with nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys (4-5-1) won 33-16 over the Raiders (2-8).

Renewing acquaintances

The women’s basketball teams for Robert Morris and Duquesne play each other at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the UPMC Events Center on RMU’s campus.

Both teams are undefeated. Duquesne (4-0) boasts wins over Saint Francis, Slippery Rock, Western Michigan and West Liberty. The Colonials (3-0) have beaten UIC, Akron and St. Francis.

The local rivalry dates to 1974.Thiswill be the 47th meeting between the programs. Duquesne holds a 33-13 series edge. The Dukes are on a six-game winning streak, including a 77-61 home victory last season.

Movin’ on up

The Chatham men’s hockey teamis rankedfor the first time. The Cougars have appeared in this week’s USCHO Division III poll at No. 15.

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Coach Mike Gershon’s club is 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference. Through the first six games, Nick Cyprian leads the UCHC with 12 total points, three goals and nine assists.

Junior goaltender Cameron Kuntar leads the UCHC with a goals-against average of 1.29 while also leading the conference in save percentage at .958 and saves with 136.

The Cougars travel to Brockport for a 7 p.m. game against the Golden Eagles on Friday.