Bryant ready to practice
LATROBE – Martavis Bryant didn’t play in the Steelers’ 20-12 preseason win Friday night against the New York Giants but he was in uniform.
That was a big step for the third-year wide receiver.
Given the OK Wednesday evening to resume practicing, Bryant was in an NFL stadium and in a Steelers uniform for the first time in more than a year.
Bryant, who is coming off a yearlong suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, will practice for the first time this year when the Steelers return to Saint Vincent College today.
But Friday night was a big first step, even if all Bryant did was catch some passes during warmups at MetLife Stadium.
“(It) felt great to be back in a stadium, period,” Bryant said.
The last time Bryant was seen in an NFL stadium, he was catching nine passes for 154 yards and picking up 194 yards from scrimmage in a playoff loss at Denver. He was suspended by the league a little over a month later for multiple violations of the substance abuse policy.
Bryant was conditionally reinstated by the NFL earlier this year and given permission to attend the Steelers’ offseason programs. But when training camp began July 27, the Steelers were informed Bryant was not permitted to practice until he was again given clearance.
It was frustrating for both the Steelers and Bryant. Now, they await word from the NFL on Bryant’s status for the regular season.
“I’m just happy the process went through and I’m happy to be back out with my brothers playing football,” said Bryant, a fourth-round draft pick in 2014.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s been a long time coming. I worked hard. I’m just happy the process is almost over.”
As part of his return, Bryant has been subject to random drug tests as often as three times in a week. He also has to take part in counseling, an issue that reportedly caused the holdup in his ability to participate at training camp. The NFL wanted to give the OK on the counselor.
“All I have to do is just worry about what I have to do, take care of my business and continue to be on the path that I am now and I’ll be fine,” Bryant said.
The Steelers hope so, both for Bryant’s sake and that of their 2017 season.
In 21 career regular-season games, Bryant has established himself as one of the top deep threats in football. He has caught 76 passes for 1,314 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ten of his receptions have been for 40 or more yards, helping him to a 17.3-yards-per-catch average.
The Steelers missed that threat opposite wide receiver Antonio Brown last season, when they advanced to the AFC Championship before losing to the New England Patriots.
There’s a feeling around the team that Bryant and a young and improving defense could be what enables the Steelers to take the next step.
Brown has more than 100 receptions in each of the past four seasons – only the second player in NFL history to accomplish that feat. And with running back Le’Veon Bell – when he finally reports and signs his franchise tender – the Steelers have arguably the best player at that position in the NFL.
With Bryant on the field at the same time as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, opposing teams could have issues defending all the Steelers’ weapons.
“I don’t know how they’ll do that,” said cornerback Ross Cockrell. “I’m just glad they’re on our team and we don’t have to worry about that.”
The Steelers’ defense had seven sacks in the win over the Giants, including three by Arthur Moats and two by T.J. Watt. … The Steelers will practice at 3 p.m. today. The session is open to the public.