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The Steelers are now looking to be out of two skills position players on opening night as Pittsburgh now loses Martavis Bryant with a violation of the Substance Abuse Policy. Adam Schefter does report with:
Steelers WR Martavis Bryant is facing 4-game suspension for violating Substance Abuse Policy, per league sources. Suspension under appeal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2015
If the appeal process does not work out for the second year wide receiver this does mean he will be missing opening night which is missing Le'Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount, Martavis Bryant, Maurkice Pouncey and of course Tom Brady. Clearly the "suspension bowl" for game 1 opening night.
Martavis Bryant for those that don't know did arrive late in his rookie season, starting his season week 7. But in his 9 games and one play-off game Bryant put up numbers. 26 catches for 550 yards and 8 touchdowns. Clearly almost averaging a touchdown a game is something that will hurt the Steelers ith losing for 25% percent of the season.
The Steelers schedule over the first four games include the Patriots, 49ers, Rams and the Baltimore Ravens. Definitely a plus in the category for Baltimore as any help in enemy territory is appreciated.