All preseason it's been a debate whether to slot Markus Wheaton or Martavis Bryant higher on the Steelers depth chart. In the just released rankings update, Bryant is higher. Turns out it should be Wheaton.
Bryant has been hit with a 4-game suspension to start the season for violating the league substance abuse policy. He's appealing, but usually these ones get resolved quicker than, say, the Brady conflict.
This makes Wheaton the clear No. 2 while Bryant is out, and gives No. 3 snaps to either rookie Sammie Coates or perhaps Darrius Heyward-Bey. Wheaton, though, is the significant beneficiary.
Perhaps Ian will weigh in on exactly how the rankings will shift. Wheaton might climb a dozen spots, while Bryant (I am guessing) could fall 20-25. He's out a quarter of the season and a third of the fantasy regular season, so that seems about right. If Wheaton runs with the No. 2 job, Bryant might not get back ahead of him.
--Andy Richardson