Fansided

Steelers’ Martavis Bryant suspended four games

By Matt Verderame

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 National Football League regular season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy, according to Ross Jones of FOX Sports. Bryant is the second Pittsburgh player to be suspended this offseason, with running back Le’Veon Bell also slated to miss the first two games for the same violation.

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Pittsburgh’s first four games are against the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens.

Bryant is an up-and-coming receiver entering his second year in offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s system. As a rookie out of the University of Clemson, Bryant proved a versatile deep threat in 10 regular-season games with 26 catches, 549 yards and eight touchdowns. Over at Still Curtain, Kim Myers wrote about the impact this news could have on the Steelers.

"With so many offensive weapons at Ben Roethlisberger’s disposal, the Steelers’ offense was expected to pick up right where they left off last regular season and continue on their record-breaking pace. Now, you have to wonder how far they can go if they have this many obstacles to overcome."

The problem for Pittsburgh also involves the lack of a proven defense. The Steelers are known for having tough defenses, but this group watched Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and Jason Worilds retire while also seeing Brett Keisel walk out the door. The Steelers are relying heavily on youngsters Ryan Shazier, Jarvis Jones and Bud Dupree to produce. If they fail to become impact players, Pittsburgh could be in plenty of shootouts.

Pittsburgh also lost a key piece to the offense on Sunday when center Maurkice Pouncey broke his ankle against the Green Bay Packers. With Pouncey out for at least a couple of months, the burden becomes heavier on Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller to keep this group afloat.

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