Martavis Bryant was conditionally reinstated by the NFL recently after spending a year suspended for testing positive for marijuana. However, as Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert shared Thursday, the receiver has yet to be cleared for training camp.
“Upon his conditional reinstatement in April, Martavis Bryant was made aware it was only the beginning of a process toward a return to being a full contributing member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have been informed by the NFL that Martavis is still in the process of being fully reinstated,” Colbert said, per the team website.
“Until that time, Martavis will be permitted to take part in off-the-field team activities at training camp, but he will not be permitted to practice or play in any games.”
Bryant is a very special player when he’s on the field. In two partial seasons with the Steelers (21 total games), he’s averaged 17.3 yards per reception and has hauled in 14 touchdowns.
However, his off-field problems have kept him from realizing his full potential. He’s been looking phenomenal this offseason during OTAs and minicamp, with Ben Roethlisberger calling him “a stud, as usual.”
If Bryant completes the process to become fully reinstated, he’ll be a welcome addition to a Steelers offense loaded with talent. As a side note, the team is sure hoping that running back Le’Veon Bell signs his franchise tender and shows up for work.
Pittsburgh’s championship window is pretty tight right now. Roethlisberger might not play past 2017, so Bryant needs to do everything possible to participate in the fun. Otherwise, his chances of winning a title, not to mention furthering his NFL career, could be done for.