Panthers WR Ventell Bryant suspended two games

If Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ventell Bryant has a future with the organization, he won't be available at the start of the upcoming regular season. 

The Panthers confirmed Wednesday that Bryant has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2021 season for an unspecified violation of the league's policy on substances of abuse. Per the terms of the punishment, the 24-year-old can participate in practices and preseason games leading up to the regular season. 

He's eligible to return to the active roster Sept. 20. 

Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk noted Bryant was arrested in Florida in March 2020 on suspicion of DUI as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Bryant entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and failed to catch on with the Cincinnati Bengals before he appeared in 12 games with the Cowboys later that year. He notched one reception for 15 yards and a touchdown, his only NFL regular-season catch, to date, but also spent time on the special teams unit. 

Rushil Vashee of Panthers Wire explained Carolina's depth at the position could make Bryant surplus to requirements to the point that his suspension keeps him off the practice squad by Week 1.