The Steelers were aware back in April that wide receiver Martavis Bryant might not be cleared by the NFL to practice at the start of training camp, a fact that became public on Thursday.
"I knew the possibility of it because there were some conditions based on his reinstatement and they've been really consistent in that regard," Mike Tomlin said Thursday afternoon. "And Martavis and we all have been working extremely hard to adhere to it."
Tomlin noted that it is the process by the league and not necessarily something Bryant has or has not done, which has delayed his return. The NFL will permit the wide receiver to attend meetings and other off-field duties at the Steelers' Saint Vincent College training camp, but nothing on the field.
Bryant was suspended all of last season for violating the NFL's drug policy. He was cleared conditionally in the spring to rejoin the team, and he practiced with them throughout. General manager Kevin Colbert revealed the news that he still was not fully reinstated.
"Upon his conditional reinstatement in April, Martavis Bryant was made aware it was only the beginning of a process toward a return to being a full contributing member of the Pittsburgh Steelers," Colbert said in a statement released by the team. "We have been informed by the NFL that Martavis is still in the process of being fully reinstated.
"Until that time, Martavis will be permitted to take part in off-the-field team activities at training camp. But he will not be permitted to practice or play in any games."
Bryant ran with Antonio Brown as the first-team receivers in the spring.
There is no indication that Bryant had any kind of setback, but the news comes as a bit of a surprise because he participated in their spring practices and appeared to be on track to fully participate in training camp.
Bryant said after a practice in May that part of the requirements of his reinstatement was to be drug tested two or three times a week and meet with a therapist twice weekly.
"Everything is earned, not given," Bryant said that day. "All I can do is just take care of my business and do what I have to do off the field. And as long as I do that they will see the change and everything how I changed my ways.
"As long as I pass my test, go to meetings and maintain my sobriety, that will be fine ... I know it's my last chance."
The NFL suspended Bryant for all of 2016 because he violated their drug policy, reportedly for marijuana use. It was his second such suspension by the league.
Tomlin said the Steelers have no idea when he will be cleared to practice.
"The league's in charge of that. What we're going to continue to do is cooperate fully as we have and wait for them to instruct us what to do next.
"I'm not going to speculate. That decision-making from a time-table standpoint is outside my control. I'll let the guys in New York do what they do."
A fourth-round draft pick in 2014, Bryant did not play as a rookie until the seventh game of the season. He came on strong quickly after that, with 48 receptions over 10 games for a 21.1 average yards per catch and eight touchdowns.
The NFL first suspended him for the first four games to start the 2015 season. He finished that season with 50 receptions, a 15.3-yard average and six touchdowns in 11 games.
