Steelers’ Bryant back at practice
PITTSBURGH – The new guy lined up on the outside and streaked down the field, stopping on a dime at 20 yards, turning and catching a pass from quarterback Mike Vick.
Martavis Bryant was back on the practice field for the first time since the regular season began a month ago and it was as if he hadn’t missed any time at all.
That is the hope the Steelers (2-2) have for Bryant as he returns from a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy as they prepare for Monday night’s game at San Diego (2-2).
“What he does for our offense, stretching the field, we definitely have to find ways to put the ball in his hands,” said quarterback Mike Vick. “We definitely have to get him the ball. He makes it easier for everybody else.”
Bryant caught 26 passes for 542 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games as a rookie in 2014 and looked primed for a breakout season. But multiple failed marijuana tests landed him a mandatory NFL suspension to open this season.
The 23-year-old Bryant spent three weeks in Houston during his suspension working with noted drug counselor John Lucas and said he understands the magnitude of his problem. Another positive drug test would mandate a 10-game suspension by the NFL and put his promising career in jeopardy.
He spoke with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger every morning by phone during his suspension and watched all of the Steelers’ games on television.
But his main purpose over the past month was to work on himself.
“I learned a lot about myself, especially from the mistakes I’ve made,” said Bryant, a fourth-round draft pick of the Steelers last season. “I learned from it and I just want to move forward. I’m going to put everything in the past and work on becoming better from it, and be a better football player.”
With Vick replacing an injured Roethlisberger for at least three more games, the Steelers’ offense could use a shot in the arm that Bryant could bring.
Vick’s longest completion in last Thursday’s 23-20 overtime loss to Baltimore at Heinz Field was just 18 yards and All-Pro Antonio Brown has consistently been double teamed this season.
The Steelers also lost receiver Markus Wheaton to an ankle injury against the Ravens and were forced to play rookie Sammie Coates extensively for the first time this season.
“I think it means a lot,” said Brown of Bryant’s return. “If teams are going to double me, we need a guy who can possibly break things open.”
The 6-4 Bryant did plenty of that last season. His 21.1 yards per catch last season led all NFL receivers with at least 25 receptions.
Vick and Bryant showed a good rapport in the preseason. Vick’s first pass after joining the Steelers Aug. 25 was a 63-yard bomb to Bryant at Buffalo. He later completed a 36-yard pass to Bryant on a short crossing route, despite playing just two possessions.
Can that carry over into the regular season, despite Bryant not having practiced for the past month?
“I think so,” Vick said. “We’ve just got to get the plays called at the right time, and it’s up to me to understand what the concept entails and put the ball in the hands of the playmakers on this team. We got a lot of them and we’ve got to let them work.”
Odds and end zones
Linebacker Ryan Shazier, who missed the past two games with a shoulder injury, was back at practice Monday and said he plans on playing against the Chargers. … Monday’s practice was the first for new placekicker Chris Boswell, who was signed Saturday to replace Josh Scobee. Scobee was released after missing kicks from 41 and 49 yards in the final three minutes against Baltimore. … Defensive tackle Daniel McCullers also returned to practice. He has missed the past two games with a sore knee. … The Steelers have until 4 p.m. next Tuesday to activate Bryant to their 53-man roster and make a corresponding roster move but they are expected to use him against the Chargers.