Martavis Bryant was just stiff armed by the NFL.

After Bryant got off the bus wearing pads in preparation for tonight's practice, he was forced to give up his pads after meeting with team GM Kevin Colbert.

Despite reports, there is no status change in regards to #Steelers WR Martavis Bryant. He has not been cleared to return to practice. — Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) August 4, 2017

You can see Colbert walk up to Bryant near the end of Fittipaldo's video of the team walking into Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

At the end you'll see Colbert telling Bryant he can't practice pic.twitter.com/UBTSLoZ3aM — Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 4, 2017

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Earlier in the day, league spokesman Brian McCarthy wrote an e-mail to the Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo about Bryant's status. The NFL has not allowed Bryant to practice or play as part of his conditional reinstatement.

“He would be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games, once he satisfies requirements,” McCarthy wrote. “Bryant may join the Steelers at the training facility and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities. Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Bryant’s clinical resources in Pittsburgh, he will be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.”

Ben Roethlisberger came to his receiver's defense on Wednesday, openly questioning why Bryant -- who has reportedly done everything the league has asked of him which includes passing league mandated drug tests during his suspension -- isn't allowed to practice.

“I have no idea,” Roethlisberger said when asked when he expects to see Bryant back on the field. “Other than talking to (Bryant) and hoping, I keep asking, ‘Is it gonna happen today?' and he keeps telling me he's hoping so.

“So we just don't know. I don't know if the league (needs more information) or documents or what's going on. But goodness, I think he's paid his dues.”