Steelers wideout Martavis Bryant facing four-game ban

There's a perfect storm of injuries and suspensions that are setting up the Pittsburgh Steelers for a very rough season opener at Gillette.

Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh's #2 receiver, is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The suspension is for multiple failed marijuana tests. The case is currently undergoing an appeal hearing, but even if Bryant won his appeal, it would likely be reduced only by a game or two at the max.

Playing behind Antonio Brown, the 23-year-old wideout caught 26 balls for 549 yards and eight touchdowns last year as a rookie out of Clemson.

Bryant's suspension will put a vise grip on Pittsburgh's offense come September 10 as they'll already be without All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell, as he too will be serving a suspension for marijuana use.

And on top of that, All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey will also miss the game and possibly the entire 2015 season after suffering a broken ankle last week against the Green Bay Packers.

Photo credit: Pittsburgh Sporting News