Ben Roethlisberger: 'Darius Heyward-Bey can step up to replace Martavis Bryant'

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has revealed that he is confident that Darius Heyward-Bey can step up to replace Martavis Bryant in the early stages of the 2015 season.

Bryant will miss the first four games of the campaign for violating the NFL's policy on substances of abuse, leaving the door open for Heyward-Bey to play a crucial role in the Steelers' offense.

"I knew it was coming," Roethlisberger told reporters. "We've been working with Hey-Bey. He's playing with a lot of confidence, and we have confidence in him.

"He's one of the guys who went down to Georgia with us when we worked out. We built that confidence and trust in each other. I think he'll step up and be just fine."

Heyward-Bey has recorded 172 receptions for 2,413 yards and 12 touchdowns in his six-year NFL career.