Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 NFL season on Thursday.
According to ESPN, the suspension is for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Bryant is appealing the suspension. He is still eligible to play in the Steelers final two preseason games. He can also practice with the team for the rest of the preseason.
Bryant was drafted by the Steelers last year. He had 26 receptions for 549 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie, according to USA Today. Bryant became only the second rookie receiver since 1995 to have more than 20 yards per reception. Kenny Stills did it with the New Orleans Saints in 2013.
The Steelers will start the season without running back Le’Veon Bell. Bell was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and will miss the first two weeks of the season. The Steelers will also be without center Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey is out indefinitely after having ankle surgery this week.
The Steelers open the season on September 10 against the New England Patriots.