The NFL has upheld Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee's regular-season suspension after hearing his appeal.

If the Steelers (7-7) make the playoffs, though, the safety would be eligible to rejoin the active roster.

Kazee was suspended without pay for the final three regular-season games after a hard hit on Michael Pittman, Jr. that landed the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver in the concussion protocol. 

The NFL announced Monday that Kazee was suspended for repeated violation of rules meant to protect the health and safety of players.

Kazee had previously been fined five times this season for unnecessary roughness, and his status as a repeat offender factored into the decision to levy the harsh punishment. He will lose roughly $208,000 in salary.