Steelers say Martavis Bryant not permitted to play games

The Pittsburgh Steelers released a statement on Thursday stating that Martavis Bryant will not be a participant until he’s fully reinstated by the NFL.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their elite offensive talent. Although they have a solid group, they’ve still been hampered by injuries and suspensions. Their wide receiver group has been among the best in the NFL and it seemed like they might be adding to it this offseason with the return of WR Martavis Bryant.

Bryant was originally suspended by Roger Goodell and the NFL for the entire season for Marijuana. He was conditionally reinstated and did happen to participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

But it looks the like the Steelers have issued a statement that would not allow Bryant to participate in training camp and preseason games until he’s been fully reinstated by the NFL.

Here’s what Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert had to add in a press release that came out on Thursday afternoon.

"We have been informed by the NFL that Martavis is still in the process of being fully reinstated. Until that time, Martavis will be permitted to take part in off-the-field team activities at training camp, but he will not be permitted to practice or play in any games."

That’s an interesting choice by Pittsburgh, but given the depth at wide receiver and the constant trouble Bryant has provided, it might not matter. The Steelers have one of the best receivers in the game in Antonio Brown to go along with Eli Rogers and Sammie Coates around him.

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More concerning than Bryant’s status in the NFL is Le’Veon Bell’s contract status. The Steelers have Super Bowl aspirations after losing in the AFC Championship Game at New England.

Looks like they’re off to a weird start with two of their better offensive players in Bryant and Bell.