Panthers WR Bryant Suspended for the First Two Games of 2021 Season

Carolina Panthers WR Ventell Bryant will miss the first two games of this season. According to sources, the NFL suspended him because he violated the Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. Although he is suspended, he is still allowed to participate in all preseason practices and games. He will be reinstated in Week 3 against the Houston Texans.

Bryant, a 6-foot-3, 205 receiver, set a receiving record at Temple in 2018, just a few seasons after head coach Matt Rhule left Temple to take the job a Baylor.

Bryant was not drafted in 2019 and went on to have a tryout for the Cincinnati Bengals. He made the initial roster, but was cut before the season began. Bryant had a stint with the Dallas Cowboys before coming to the Panthers. He played in twelve games, mostly on special teams. He was eventually let go after being placed on injured reserve.

Bryant was signed to Carolina’s practice squad at the end of the 2020 season. He was later signed to a reserve/future contract for this season.

Carolina will have an intense wide receiver competition to determine the last spots. Certain players are on the fringe of making the team or having to become a free agent. Bryants’ future with the organization is in jeopardy. He was unlikely to make the Panthers’ 53 man roster before the suspension, but now his chances of making the practice squad are slim to none.