Pittsburgh Steelers second-year wide receiver Martvavis Bryant appears to be having a great offseason so far, but according to a Thursday report by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the former fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson failed to make through the team’s final OTA practice of the week.
Bouchette reports that Bryant became sick during practice after taking a supplement and that he needed to be carted off the field. He is expected to fine, however, and one would think he’ll be back on the field next week when the team’s mandatory minicamp gets underway.
#Steelers WR Martavis Bryant became sick during practice after taking a supplement and was carted off the field this morning. He’s fine.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) June 11, 2015
Bryant’s rookie season ended with him catching 26 passes for 549 yards and eight touchdowns and after Wednesdays practice, wide receivers coach Richard Mann was asked about what Bryant’s ceiling is as a player.
“I think this year will be better that last because the confidence is there,” said Mann in an interview on Steelers Nation Radio. “So we look for him to keep growing. He’s definitely not where he needs to be but he’s a lot farther ahead right now than this time last year, obviously.
“What I’m saying to you is that the confidence is there. So with confidence comes play-making abilities and when he starts making plays – he’s a big ole guy – then the sky will be the limit when he can make all of the plays.”
Mann was also asked what specifically Bryant needs to work on this offseason to become a better player.
“Everything, everything,” said Mann. “Blocking, the route running. He’s really improved on his footwork, to be a tall guy, he’s bending his knees real well. We just got to keep drilling him and keep pounding him and hopefully when he gets under pressure situations, we’ll see what he can do.”
