Despite being banned from team activities, Martavis Bryant has been staying up to speed

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant hasn’t played in a meaningful football game since the 2015 AFC Divisional Playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. That game was the best of his career, but also the worst as he was then suspended for the entire 2016 season due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

You can imagine the rust which has developed as Bryant helped coach a High School team during last season, rather than help his teammates play in the AFC Championship game. Just when you think Bryant will get the chance to get back on the field and help his teammates when training camp begins, he has to wait to be officially reinstated by the NFL.

So, how is he staying up to speed? Wide receivers coach Richard Mann told Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette just how the coaching staff is keeping Bryant sharp.

“He’s in the meetings,” Mann told Fittipaldo. “He’s right on point. I treat him just like he was out there. He’s asking questions. Even though he’s not the one doing it, he can learn. It makes him get into the offense by watching the other guys.”

“I think he’s matured and has a different mentality and a different demeanor about him,” Mann said. “He’s always been good with me. That’s not bragging. That’s the truth, man. He and I have a relationship like I have with all the other guys. We talk a lot.”

Mann, who is in his last season with the team, doesn’t mince words, so his praise of Bryant both in meetings, and as a person, is encouraging for fans.

Sunday night, Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette, quoted sources stating Bryant should be reinstated sometime this week. If this is true, Bryant should have plenty of time to get himself right, and comfortable, in the offense before the team starts playing football games which really count.