PITTSBURGH -- Steelers receiver Antonio Brown is in the NFL concussion protocol after taking a hit from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the final minute of Pittsburgh's 18-16 wild-card win.
Brown was unavailable for comment after the game, but he appeared in good spirits in the locker room. Brown, who finished with seven catches for 119 yards, went over the middle in an attempt to haul in a high pass when Burfict struck Brown from the side, making contact with Brown's head.
Burfict is facing a suspension (potentially for multiple games) for his hit on Brown, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The NFL already fined Burfict $69,454 last month for a combination of infractions in Cincinnati's Week 14 game against Pittsburgh. As a repeat offender, Burfict now is expected to be suspended.
Brown had a career season in Pittsburgh, with 136 catches for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns. His status for Sunday's divisional playoff game in Denver is uncertain.
