Jags' GM casts doubt on Justin Blackmon's return
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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.
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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 two-and-a-half-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.
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(h/t Florida Times-Union)