Steelers WR Wheaton unsure if Bryant suspension will lead to role on outside

Markus Wheaton isn't interested in talking about this season being the last of a four-year, $2.8 million deal with the Steelers.

Instead, he's focused on improving on a steady but unspectacular 2015 season. The fourth-year wide receiver likely must be more productive this year, considering big-play threat Martavis Bryant was suspended for the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Even though he likely will garner plenty of attention during training camp, Wheaton insisted he doesn't feel pressure. And he's not sure whether he'll remain as the slot receiver or move outside.

“Who knows how's it going to be without Martavis?” Wheaton said. “I talk with him every now and then just to check on him to see how he's doing, and he sounds positive, which is always good. Maybe I'll get more work outside with (Bryant) out. It's really hard to say right now.”

The Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will need someone to take the heat off All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown. Wheaton's workload hinges on how second-year player Sammie Coates develops and whether veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey can become an integral part of what could be one of the league's more explosive offenses.

“It's a team effort,” Wheaton said. “If they could throw Antonio more balls, they would do that, and I'm sure he wouldn't complain. Whether it's (running back Fitzgerald) Toussaint doing more in the backfield or Sammie or myself, it's a team effort, and we'll figure it out.

“Last year, I felt like once Ben got back, things got rolling,” Wheaton said, referring to a knee injury that sidelined Roethlisberger for four games.

“It was good for me. It was good for everyone else. I'm not blaming (Michael) Vick and Landry (Jones), but it was hard to continue the success Ben was having.”

Still, the early expectation is Wheaton needs to be more than a role player. The Oregon State product put together relatively good numbers in 2015: 44 receptions, 749 yards receiving and five touchdowns.

Wheaton said Bryant's absence didn't affect his preparation. Unlike the previous offseason, he didn't work out with other receivers in preparation for training camp, which begins Friday at St. Vincent.

“Last year, I moved around a lot,” said Wheaton, a third-round pick in 2013. “This year, I did the same during organized team activities. So, as far as where I'll be playing, it'll probably be about the same.

“Honestly, I want to be on the field as much as I can. As far as it's inside or outside, I'm wide open.”

Wheaton also is interested in returning kickoffs. He took over the job last season after Dri Archer and Jacoby Jones were unproductive.

Wheaton is anxious to compete on offense and special teams.

“It's kind of like being back in school again,” said Wheaton, who has recovered from a quad injury suffered during OTAs. “But once we get started, it's football again. I didn't get to work with anybody this summer. Last year, we all worked together as a group, and it helped build camaraderie. Everyone kind of did their own thing this time.”

Ralph N. Paulk is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib.