James Harrison Suspended One Game For Colt McCoy Hit

Thanks to a helmet-to-helmet hit that resulted in a roughing the passer penalty and a concussion for Colt McCoy, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been suspended one game by the NFL, per ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter on twitter. The hit was a violent collision in which Harrison appeared to lead with his head, hitting McCoy shortly after he threw a short pass. Harrison plans to appeal the suspension.

The hit occurred with just under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Seneca Wallace entered the game and deputized briefly, but McCoy returned to the game. Harrison was almost certainly going to face at least a fine for the hit, but his status as a repeat offender almost certainly factored into the league's decision to suspend him.

The timing couldn't be much worse for the Steelers. They take on the 10-3 San Fransisco 49ers in Week 15. Pittsburgh is currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North, but the Ravens hold the tiebreaker.

For more on Harrison and the Steelers, check out Pittsburgh Steelers blog Behind The Steel Curtain.