Smith-Schuster won't back off physical play despite suspension

JuJu Smith-Schuster is not going to change his game after serving a one-week suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit against Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

In his first media availability since being suspended, the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie was apologetic for standing over Burfict and taunting, but he still feels "it was a good hit."

"Oh, I am still playing physical," said Smith-Schuster on Wednesday, according to Chris Adamski of TribLive.com. "That's going to be a part of my game. That's who I have always been since I was a kid.

"I am still going to make those blocks, you know? Yes, I am going you be more careful; I'm going to aim for the shoulder and lower, just to be more protective of the game."

The receiver said there was no premeditated actions on Burfict, who has a history of injuring Steelers players, and that he did not realize who he put the block on until he was standing over him.

"I stood over him after and I said, 'Oh wow, that's Burfict,'" Smith-Schuster said. "I was like 'Oh damn,' so that's when I relaxed 'Aw, man, here we go. This is it.'"