The Pittsburgh Steelers were not expecting to be down a man heading into the 2015 season, but now suspensions are running like wild fire throughout the team. Le'Veon Bell will be missing some time and now Martavis Bryant is out for the first four games of the season as the Steelers are scrambling to make up production. According to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, it is next man up and Darrius Heyward-Bey is now getting his time to shine.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Bryant is out for four games following a violation of the league's substance abuse policy after failing a drug test over marijuana use. Bryant is expected to play a larger role in the offense this season after putting up 549 yards last year. With players like Lance Moore gone, Bryant is expected to step up and with him out, Roethlisberger is finding new targets to develop.
Heyward-Bey has had a roller coaster career in the NFL. After being a first-round pick he has bounced around from several teams compiling just 2,413 yards and 12 touchdowns in six seasons. However, Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh is the place where he will shine and the loss of Bryant opens that door.
"I knew it was coming," Roethlisberger said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We've been working with Hey-Bey. He's playing with a lot of confidence, and we have confidence in him. He's one of the guys who went down to Georgia with us when we worked out. We built that confidence and trust in each other. I think he'll step up and be just fine. I think you'll see a big role for Darrius Heyward-Bey."
The Steelers need help outside of Bryant and Markus Wheaton who is returning as the No.2 receiver. Heyward-Bey has a real shot to prove himself with the increased playing time, but he is not the only receiver looking for more attention. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, rookie Sammie Coates was drafted as insurance if Bryant were to suffer another suspension. The young player has struggled to this point with the Steelers, getting criticized by head coach Mike Tomlim for his lack on conditioning and effort. If Coates can step up, he could be a valuable asset to the Steelers moving forward.
Losing Bryant for four games is not a real blow to the Steelers who will rely on Bell and his sturdy hands more times than not. They have young players in place who can step up when needed to as Roethlisberger has confidence everything will work out for the team.