Written By Adam Aniba
For the Washington fans that have lived under a rock for the past few months, veteran receiver Martavis Bryant is making a strong push to make the final 53-man roster after being out of the league. The trade of Jahan Dotson certainly increased Bryant's chances.
Bryant recorded his 1st touchdown since '18 in the last pre-season match up vs the Patriots since. He also recorded a forced fumble, after an untimely interception the game before that.
His numbers didn't stand out in the pre-season, but HC Dan Quinn has mentioned Bryant by name during multiple presser conferences.
It was a forgone conclusion to football fans that Bryant would likely never play again in the NFL after his last suspension, but in 2023 the Dallas Cowboys signed him to their practice squad.
Although Bryant's presence on the Cowboys PS was short lived and only lasted a few months, the former Steelers receiver made a lasting impression on Quinn (Dallas DC '21-'23).
Bryant was on the Steelers regular season roster from 2014-2017 and on the Raiders in 2018. For his career Bryant played in 44 regular games recording 145 receptions for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns with an impressive 16.1 yards per reception average.
For those who aren't familiar with the details of Bryant's time away from the NFL, he was suspended on 3 occasions in a four year span for repeatedly breaking the NFL's substance abuse policy.
The first suspension took place in '15 while Bryant was in Pittsburgh, with a 4 game suspension levied against him for breaking the leagues substance abuse policy.
In 2016, after violating the substance abuse policy once again, Bryant was suspended for the entire season and returned in 2017 to play in 15 games.
In 2018 the Raiders traded for Bryant, but the receiver dealt with durability issues through 8 games and was promptly sent to IR for the remainder of the season. That December Bryant was once again suspended, indefinitely this time for violating the substance abuse policy once again.
Due to the NFL's three-strike rule, every infraction carried a longer suspension do to Bryant being a repeat offender.
Fast forward to 2023. Bryant was reinstated and spent a few months on the Cowboys practice squad.
If Washington elects to keep 6 receivers on the 53-man roster, Bryant seems like a lock. If they decide to keep 5, the practice squad could be his destination.
Regardless, Quinn seems to like the dimension Bryant brings to Washington's offense and on special teams. Also, Kingsbury could elect to use Bryant as a hybrid TE in sub-packages to utilize his ability as a blocker and pass catcher.
With the final cut-down to 53 taking place this Tuesday at 4PM with other teams releasing players as well, the receiver position will be something to keep a close eye on.
Comentarios