Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster suspended for 1 game after hit on Burfict

UPDATE 8:28 P.M.

Reports say JuJu Smith-Schuster's appeal of his suspension was heard Tuesday and denied.

The NFL suspended Steelers rookie receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday for one game after his illegal blindside block on Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict on Monday night.

Burfict was carted off the field and examined for a head injury after the hit.

“You are suspended for the dangerous and unsportsmanlike acts you committed during the fourth quarter of last night’s game," wrote NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan in a letter notifying Smith-Schuster of the suspension. "Your conduct following the hit fell far below the high standards of sportsmanship expected of an NFL player."

With about seven minutes left in the game, Smith-Schuster was looking to make a block for running back Le'Veon Bell when he slammed into Burfict, who did not see him coming. Smith-Schuster's shoulder and helmet struck Burfict's upper chest and facemask.

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Burfict landed on his back, and Smith-Schuster stood over him for a moment, looking down.

The receiver was flagged for taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Smith-Schuster apologized for the hit after the game.

Cox Media Group