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Who will step up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Martavis Bryant's absence

By The Sports Xchange
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) reacts to the Steelers 25-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in Pittsburgh on October 18, 2015. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI
1 of 2 | Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates (14) reacts to the Steelers 25-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in Pittsburgh on October 18, 2015. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers drafted Sammie Coates in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft as insurance against another misstep by Martavis Bryant. The decision might pay dividends in 2016 because Bryant was suspended for the season for a violation of the NFL's drug policy.

Coates, who dressed for only seven games as a rookie, will have an opportunity this spring and summer to replace Bryant.

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"We just have to go out here and work every day," Coates said. "Whatever happens, happens. We lost a player. We have to pick up his slack. Everybody has to work together and get it done."

While Coates only had one catch for 11 yards during the regular season he did have a breakout game against Denver in the playoffs. With Antonio Brown out with a concussion, Coates caught two passes for 61 yards.

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"That's part of this business," Coates said. "You have to be ready all the time. I knew my chance will come and I took advantage of it. I built the confidence during the regular season, doing the scout team. You build confidence throughout the season. When I had a chance to step up I was just ready."

There is also Markus Wheaton, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Wheaton was limited to snaps mostly in the slot last season, but he could get a chance to play outside this season with Bryant gone.

"I hope so," Wheaton said. "I'm not making the calls, but I'm definitely excited about the opportunity. I wish Martavis was here, but we have a lot of young guys who are willing and able."

--The Steelers signed former Charger Ladarius Green to replace Heath Miller as the starting tight end, but Green is a spectator this spring as he rehabilitates from offseason ankle surgery. Green expects to be ready for training camp at the end of July, but he won't get much of a chance to work with his new teammates during OTAs and minicamp.

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That's the hard part," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "I just know kind of the things I've heard and seen with him and the Chargers. I'm excited to have him out here, just not sure when that's going to be. We spent some time talking behind the scenes a little bit, behind practice. So, I hope mentally he'll be ready to go, when he's physically ready."

--Cornerback Senquez Golson, who missed his rookie season with a shoulder injury, is getting the first shot to earn the slot corner position. He has been lining up with the first-team defense with veterans William Gay and Ross Cockrell occupying the outside corner spots.

"I was just getting my feet wet last year," Golson said. "It's definitely easier than last year with me knowing the playbook already. I have the playbook down. At this point it's just learning the communication from the other players, learning how they talk."

--Wide receiver Antonio Brown arrived in time Thursday for the third practice of the week after missing the first two. Brown had contractual obligations to fulfill with "Dancing with the Stars" earlier in the week.

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