The 25-year-old was suspended indefinitely for his third violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Blackmon and the Jaguars have had no contact in his 21-month absence, making it seem like the former first-round pick has no intentions of returning to football. “Your skills do erode, and especially if you’re not staying in tip-top shape and you’re not in football shape”.
Advertisement
During his lengthy suspension, the Jaguars repeatedly have said they won’t cut him, but instead keep him on the reserve/suspended list. Caldwell’s comments give a strong indication that he does not expect Blackmon to play in the NFL again. Because of Blackmon’s inability to avoid breaking the NFL’s substance of abuse policy, he now finds himself on the outside looking in.
“I have not heard anything and I guess I harbor a little bit of hope, but realistically I think when you’re away from the game for two and a half years, what you were once is not what you probably will be”, Caldwell said.
In is 20 games, Blackmon had 93 receptions for 1,280 yards and 6 touchdowns, according to profootballreference.com.
The last mention of Blackmon was in 2014, when his attorney announced that Blackmon had completed a voluntary drug-rehab program.
The Jaguars have won seven games in two seasons under Caldwell and Head Coach Gus Bradley, opting for a building plan in which the team largely eschewed free agency during the first two offseasons while focusing on the draft. He was suspended after the 2012 season, returned for the start of 2013 and then received his indefinite suspension in October of 2013. And, in November, Blackmon pleaded no contest.
The Jags appear to be done with Blackmon though they keep him on their roster.
Advertisement
“I do not know to anticipate, however I might say widespread sense would in all probability be if you have not performed soccer in two and a half years, apparently that is not a precedence for you”. Those three games accounted for 44 percent of his Blackmon’s career receiving yardage in a 20-game career.
