Pittsburgh Steelers

Source: Steelers' Bryant hit with four-game suspension

Published Aug. 27, 2015 2:37 p.m. ET

Ross Jones

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the league's Substances of Abuse Policy, a source has told FOXSports.com. Bryant's suspension is under appeal.

Bryant, 23, played in 10 games last season receiving 26 balls for 549 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The Steelers have been adamant that wide receiver Markus Wheaton is the No. 2 wide receiver in the offense this preseason, despite Bryant's clear upside.

The news of Bryant's suspension comes days after center Maurkice Pouncey broke a bone in his ankle. Running back Le'Veon Bell had his suspension reduced to two games earlier this offseason.

The Steelers open up their season two weeks from Thursday against the New England Patriots.

Bryant, a fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft from Clemson, underwent a procedure this preseason for an elbow infection.