Martavis Bryant's second-year leap will be put on hold to start the NFL season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver has been suspended four games for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse after his appeal was denied Monday, the team announced.
Sources informed of the situation told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that Bryant's suspension is for multiple failed marijuana tests.
The 6-foot-4 wideout with a 4.42 seconds 40-speed was a big-play machine in 10 games as a rookie. He led the NFL with a 21.1-yards-per-catch average. Bryant finished with 26 receptions for 549 yards and eight touchdowns in just 306 regular season snaps.
Bryant was slated to open the season in three-receiver sets behind All-Pro Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton -- who've flashed during the preseason. Bryant's big-play ability was one reason the Steelers have been mentioned as a candidate to lead the NFL in offensive production in 2015. Wheaton will at least get a four game bump in value while Bryant is out. Sammie Coates could see more time with Bryant suspended.
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