The Pittsburgh Steelers are no stranger to losing star players, as Pittsburgh did last season when they lost top running back Le'Veon Bell. But it usually tends to be injuries that keep the Steelers' key pieces on the sidelines - Bell was lost for the year after suffering a torn MCL.
Despite losing arguably their best offensive weapon though, the Steelers managed to make the playoffs and even reached the divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. Pittsburgh is considered one of the favorites in the AFC and the entire league to make the Super Bowl next season, but may have to embark on 2016 without one of their most talented young receivers.
Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant is reportedly facing a year-long suspension for violating the NFL's Policy and Program for substance abuse. There has been no official ruling from the NFL on Bryant's suspension at this time, but his agent Tom Santanello is reportedly appealing the one-year suspension.
"Unless and until there is something official from the league we won't be commenting," said Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten.
This is not the first time the 24-year-old Steelers receiver has had off field issues, as he was suspended four games at the beginning of last season for multiple violations of the NFL's policy on substance abuse.
Bryant has proven to be a dynamic playmaker in offensive coordinator Todd Haley's system in Pittsburgh, and is coming of a career season in which he recorded 50 receptions for 765 yards and scored six touchdowns. The Steelers will look for third round draft pick Sammie Coates to step up in his second season if Bryant's suspension is not overturned, and the Steelers coaching staff had reportedly "raved about his progress" at the end of the 2015 season.
Coates saw limited action last season playing in just six games, and the Steelers coaching staff will need the young receiver and established star Antonio Brown to step up their play if Bryant is unable to return. The Steelers acquired pass-catching tight end Ladarius Green this offseason to fill the hole left by Heath Miller's retirement, and many are expecting big things from the former Chargers tight end in Haley's offensive system.
The Steelers will have to wait to hear the official ruling from the NFL, but expect Pittsburgh to prepare as if Bryant won't be back in 2016, as they won't want any excuses heading into the season.
