Steelers News: Bryant, Shazier, backups

The Steelers are trying to pick up the pieces from losing their overtime game against the Baltimore Ravens. While they turn their sights towards the San Diego Chargers we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Tuesday, Oct. 6^th.

Bryant is back

Martavis Bryant returned to the Steelers practice field on Monday afternoon from serving his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Steelers’ Teresa Varley explains how Bryant is ready to get back into action and how Ben Roethlisberger stayed in contact with him his entire time away.

"“I learned a lot about myself, especially from the mistakes I’ve made. Just learning from my mistakes and how to prevent mistakes from happening. Just about becoming a better man. I learned from it and I just want to move forward. I’m going to put everything in the past and work on becoming better from it, and a better football player.” – Martavis Bryant"

Back to work

Some players joined Bryant in returning to the practice field on Monday; these guys were coming off of injuries.

Ryan Shazier said it felt good to return to Steelers practice today after missing 2 games
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) October 5, 2015

DT Daniel McCullers confirmed he was back on #Steelers practice field today. Feels his MCL will improve thru week and should be ready Monday
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) October 5, 2015

Back to work. pic.twitter.com/FxnIFDAOTl
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 5, 2015

The standard is the standard

The Trib’s Chris Adamski notes how this “Tomlinism” is sometimes mocked but it’s actually on a plaque at the entrance to the team’s Heinz Field locker room. In previous years when starters have been out for one reason or another, the team didn’t always find success in their backups.

This year, however, things are moving in a better direction for the backups. The Steelers have been out seven starters due to injury or suspension for just the first quarter of the season so far. This year, the guys taking their place have embodied the “standard” better than ever before.

Guys like Darrius Heyward-Bey stepping in for a suspended Martavis Bryant, Cody Wallace stepping in for injured Maurkice Pouncey and the combination of Vince Williams and Sean Spence stepping in for Ryan Shazier have been proving the “next man up” standard is met in Pittsburgh. Hopefully Michael Vick can join that list of names.

Next: Steelers strong pass rush

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