Vontaze Burfict has been suspended by the NFL for the rest of the 2019 season following his latest rule violation.

The Oakland Raiders linebacker was ejected from Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter following a helmet-to-helmet hit on tight end Jack Doyle.

Burfict has a history of illegal hits that have led to fines and suspensions, though this is the longest punishment handed down for an on-field act in NFL history.

The 29-year-old - who previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals and featured in the 2013 Pro Bowl - can appeal the decision within three business days.

"There were no mitigating circumstances on this play," NFL vice-president of football operations Jon Runyan wrote in a letter to Burfict.

"Your contact was unnecessary, flagrant and should have been avoided. For your actions, you were penalised and disqualified from the game.

"Following each of your previous rule violations, you were warned by me and each of the jointly-appointed appeal officers that future violations would result in escalated accountability measures.

"However, you have continued to flagrantly abuse rules designated to protect yourself and your opponents from unnecessary risk.

"Your extensive history of rules violations is factored into this decision regarding accountability measures."

The Raiders won 31-24 against the Colts to improve to 2-2. They travel to London in Week 5, taking on the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.