Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin has been banned by the NFL for one game for an illegal hit to the head of Oakland Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera.

The incident occurred in the second quarter of the Titans' win over the Raiders when Rivera caught a pass down the seam and was down, but Griffin came in with the late hit anyway and made contact with the tight end's head.

"All I can say is I apologise to the Titans fans, my teammates and the organisation," Griffin told the Tennessean.

"I also hope Rivera is doing well and I apologize to [Rivera] and his family. I was trying to do my job but in the end I hurt the team."

Griffin has the chance to appeal his suspension but is in line to miss his side's clash with the Indianapolis Colts.