James Harrison was suspended for one game this past week after the hit that reportedly gave Colt McCoy a concussion in the Steelers game against the Browns on Thursday. As most players do when facing a suspension, Harrison filed an appeal with the league, and his case was heard yesterday. But the NFL has gotten back to Harrison, and they have elected to uphold that suspension, meaning that Harrison will miss Pittsburgh's Monday night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
James Harrison's appeal was heard by Ted Cottrell, and the one-game suspension was upheld. Harrison will not play vs. 49ers.
— Steelers Digest (@SteelersDigest) December 16, 2011
The Steelers will have a difficult time replacing Harrison, who despite his often times overly-aggressive play, is one of the premier playmakers in all of football. The 49ers have a quarterback in Alex Smith who might become a little inconsistent if the pressure is on him, and the Steelers will be without their best opportunity to do so in Harrison.