Big news for Pittsburgh as we come up on the NFL Draft. The league has reinstated WR Martavis Bryant, according to the Pittsburgh Steelers moment ago.
WR Martavis Bryant has been conditionally reinstated by the NFL.
READ: https://t.co/nM7zGF8JQ5 pic.twitter.com/fOmddWhZXY
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 25, 2017
Bryant recently had a meeting with the league to become compliant with their requirements for reinstatement, including a relapse prevention plan.
He’ll return as the Steelers’ #2 receiver opposite Antonio Brown. He sat out all of last year, suspended by the league for repeated violations of the league’s drug policy. Bryant averaged 15.3 yards per catch and six touchdowns in 2015, catching 50 passes. The return can make the Steelers’ offense one of – if not the most – potent one in the league.
Per the reinstatement, Bryant will be allowed to re-join the team and the NFL will monitor his progress throughout the offseason.
Kevin Colbert issued a statement on the news.
“Martavis Bryant has followed the protocol and has been conditionally reinstated by the National Football League. We appreciate that he has taken the necessary steps in an effort to get his personal life in order. We also understand this is just the beginning as he works to return to the team and meet all of the conditions of his reinstatement.
We look forward to working with Martavis to ensure that he is mentally and physically prepared to contribute to our efforts on the field, while also maintaining the proper balance to keep his life in order off the field.”
We’ll add to the story as information becomes available.