The Facts: Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a league source told The Times on Wednesday that Bryant's reinstatement is "imminent." A second league source said the Steelers were not yet aware of any change in Bryant's status.
Diehards Line:Bryant has served a year-long suspension for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell was expected to make a ruling within 60 days of Bryant’s formal application for reinstatement on Jan. 28. That date came and went on Tuesday with no word on Bryant’s status. But that could be coming soon. By reinstating Bryant now, the league would be giving the Steelers nearly a month before the NFL Draft to finalize their plans at the wide receiver position. Earlier this week, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters at the owners meetings: “Martavis is a good guy. But the train moves on and we've been on it for 12 months. Hopefully, he'll get on." While the Steelers have been waiting, they added veteran journeyman Justin Hunter in free agency. Hunter, a 6-4 deep threat is expected to add depth and would provide a similar size and skill set to Bryant, who has an outstanding 14 TD catches in just 21 regular-season games. According to his agents, Bryant is in excellent condition, having put on a reported 25 pounds of muscle. We'll be watching for more.