The Monday night matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals featured yet another physically intense showdown.

Steelers rookie wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was at the forefront of a potentially controversial play after laying out Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict on a brutal block during a 12-yard reception by teammate Le'Veon Bell midway through the fourth quarter. Burfict was taken out of the game on a stretcher; an official injury wasn't disclosed.

In response to that, the NFL decided on Tuesday morning to levy a one-game suspension on Smith-Schuster, as well as Bengals starting free safety George Iloka.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka were each suspended one game for hits in Monday night's game, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Iloka was suspended for his high hit on Antonio Brown on the game-tying touchdown catch with 3:55 left in the fourth quarter. Both players have already begun the appeal process for their respective bans.

At this current juncture, Smith-Schuster will miss the Week 14 matchup against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. Iloka is lined up to be out of the mix against Cincinnati's next opponent, the Chicago Bears.

The potential loss of Smith-Schuster will put Martavis Bryant in a more prominent role in the passing game while Eli Rogers could move up to third on the depth chart. The 21-year-old has recorded 37 catches on 57 targets for 585 receiving yards with five touchdowns in 11 games played.