Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant is facing a four-game suspension due to a violation of the substance abuse policy.
Martavis Bryant facing 4-game suspension, fantasy stock could tumble
The Steelers are already without Le’Veon Bell for their first two games of the season, and could be without one of their top receivers as well. We break down the fantasy implications.
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The suspension is yet to be enforced, as Bryant is reportedly appealing the NFL's judgment. Details of the violation are not yet known, though the Steelers are potentially facing a Week 1 without Bryant as well as Le'Veon Bell, who will be serving a two-game suspension.
Fantasy Spin: This is just the latest pail of water thrown atop fantasy owners who were high on Bryant’s fantasy stock entering the summer. With Markus Wheaton ahead of him on the depth chart, a four-game ban for Bryant would undoubtedly topple his average draft position and raise Wheaton’s in the meantime.
Bryant is currently the 21st wide receiver being taken off the board, while Wheaton remains the 44th. Expect those numbers to change drastically if the suspension is upheld, though Bryant still provides value for October and beyond.
