This could be one of the more intriguing springs for the Steelers as they begin practices Tuesday, the first of 10 permitted voluntary sessions followed by a three-day minicamp.
While few starting jobs would seem to be seriously contested, there are important questions begging for answers, or at least clarifications, which can start to be resolved over the next month.
The most pressing issue is that of Martavis Bryant. The wide receiver has been working out at the team's UPMC Rooney Sports Complex since the NFL lifted his one-year suspension "conditionally" April 26. This will be his first chance to participate in any kind of practices with his teammates since the end of the 2015 season. It also will be the first chance for reporters to ask him questions since then.
Bryant, who failed multiple NFL drug tests reportedly for marijuana use, is said to be in outstanding shape physically and mentally and eager to get on with his career and life. He trained hard in Nevada before joining the Steelers for their workouts.
He could be the one "new" player to win a starting job, at least through the early part of the 2017 season. The No. 2 spot at wide receiver opposite Antonio Brown has been wide open since Bryant last held it in 2015 and provided there are no setbacks, he should return to that post.
The only other possible competition to start could be at tight end. Jesse James held that job last season and will try to hold off Xavier Grimble after Ladarius Green's release. Vince Williams moves into the starting job at inside linebacker after Lawrence Timmons signed with Miami. Cam Heyward returns to start at defensive end after chest surgery at mid-season ended his 2016 playing time.
Ben Roethlisberger weeks ago provided the answer to the most pressing issue _ he will enthusiastically embrace playing in his 14th season after raising the issue of retiring.
Among other matters confronting the Steelers this spring and perhaps through summer training camp:
_The health of Le'Veon Bell. After getting several opinions on his injured groin that benched him not long into the AFC championship game, Bell opted to have surgery March 13. He wrote on Twitter shortly afterward that the surgery went well, but has not mentioned it since then and the Steelers have provided no updates.
Bell also pulled an April Fool's joke on Twitter that he would refuse to play this season under the franchise tag of slightly more than $12 million. The Steelers would like to sign him to a multiple-year contract before the start of the season, but there's been no news on that front either.
_The Steelers have one unsigned veteran entering spring practices: left tackle Alejandro Villanueva. They were talking to him about a long-term deal but little has come of it. As an exclusive rights free agent, Villanueva cannot sign elsewhere and would have to play for a salary of $615,000 in his third NFL season if the sides do not come to different terms.
_Wide receiver Sammie Coates, who seemed early last season as if he were up to the task of replacing Bryant, also had groin surgery after the season. He has had other issues with two broken fingers on his left hand, which coincided with a downward spiral in 2016. He needs to show his coaches he can be reliable.
_Rookie Joshua Dobbs vs. Landry Jones as backup quarterback. It would seem that Jones will be No. 2 again, but Dobbs will get a long look in the spring and in training camp. Once the season starts, No. 3 quarterbacks get little practice time in full team drills, even on the scout team.
_The rookies. There may be no starting jobs for them immediately but that does not mean their rookies won't fill rolls or eventually move into the starting lineup.
T.J. Watt, their first-round pick, likely will start out rotating with starter James Harrison, 39, at right outside linebacker. Eventually, the Steelers will start the one who is most productive.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Steelers second-rounder, could be the No. 3 man on the outside, No. 4 counting slot receiver Eli Rogers. With Green gone at tight end, the Steelers could well deploy more offenses that feature four wide receivers.
Cameron Sutton, a third-round pick, will start out backing up at cornerback but that could change depending on how quickly he develops.
Halfback James Conner, another third-rounder, will back up Bell. The Steelers may be willing to spell their starter a little more often after his groin surgery.
One rookie is guaranteed a "starting" job. Colin Holba, drafted in the sixth round, replaces Greg Warren, who was released after 12 seasons as their long snapper and failing a physical.
