Jacksonville Jaguars

Jags' GM casts doubt on Justin Blackmon's return

Published Aug. 4, 2015 1:18 p.m. ET

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Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell expressed doubt Tuesday that suspended wide receiver Justin Blackmon would be able to return to football -- and not just with the Jaguars.

"I guess I harbor hope, but realistically, when you're away from the game for two-and-a-half years, what you were once is not what you will probably be -- your skills do erode, especially when you're not in shape and not in top football shape," Caldwell said, via the Florida Times-Union.

Blackmon, the fifth-overall pick in the 2012 draft, hasn't practiced or played since Week 8 of the 2013 season. He's currently serving an indefinite suspension for his third violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

In order to play again, Blackmon would need to apply for reinstatement, but Caldwell didn't sound optimistic about the 25-year-old's NFL future. 

“Common sense would probably be, if you haven't played football in 2 1/2 years, apparently that’s not a priority for you,” Caldwell said.

After a promising rookie season in which caught 64 passes for 865 yards and five touchdowns, Blackmon has been suspended for 28 of the last 32 games.

(h/t Florida Times-Union)

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