Steelers' Smith-Schuster, Bryant re-enact Burfcit hit during celebration

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster has already tasted the Pittsburgh Steelers-Cincinnati Bengals rivalry. He's adding fire to it with his touchdown celebrations.

The Steelers pass catcher participated in his second Bengals-inspired celebration Sunday during the team's 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger settled in for a 3rd and goal on the Patriots' 4-yard-line with 30 seconds to go before halftime. Roethlisberger took the snap and lobbed a pass to his left, off of his back foot. Wide receiver Martivis Bryant hauled the pass in, using only his right hand. The Steelers took a 17-10 lead on the reception.

After Bryant's score, Smith-Schuster ran over to his teammate. Bryant stood in the end zone and let Smith-Schuster mimic a blind-side block, knocking him to the ground. Smith-Schuster then stood over his teammate, taunting him. Bryant pretended to wrap up Smith-Schuster's left ankle.

The sequence was a replication of Smith-Schuster's Week 13 hit on Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict. That hit sent Burfict into the concussion protocol and he hasn't played in a game since. Smith-Schuster was suspended for one game for the Burfict hit and had his appeal denied when he attempted to have the suspension wiped out.

The NFL could now make a move to discipline Smith-Schuster for mocking the incident. Burfict responded on Twitter Sunday with three emojis, they were all signaling keeping his mouth shut.

The rookie had six catches for 114 yards in Sunday's loss at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

This isn't the first time Smith-Schuster has mocked the Bengals. On Nov. 12, Smith-Schuster scored against the Indianapolis Colts. After the score, Smith-Schuster and Le'Veon Bell pretended to fight, mocking Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green for his fight earlier this season against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey.