Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver Justin Blackmon has not been on an NFL field since early in 2013. Currently serving an indefinite suspension for violating the NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy, Blackmon’s status remains in limbo.
Back in January, Jags’ owner Shahid Khan had reported that he was “very optimistic” that Blackmon would return to play for the 2015 season. However, offseason workouts have started and nobody in the Jaguars’ camp has any idea if Blackmon plans to apply or has applied for reinstatement, according to general manager Dave Caldwell.
If Blackmon does apply, the NFL has 60 days to make a decision. Since his indefinite ban, Blackmon has spent time in a treatment program and he pleaded no contest to marijuana possession charges stemming from an arrest in July of 2014.
Caldwell spoke about the team’s plans should the elusive Blackmon choose to surface (via the Florida Times-Union).
Our process hasn’t changed. Plan to go without him, but if he emerges, he emerges and he’s going to go in with those top guys and compete with those other guys. Hopefully we’re able to get some news, but if not, we weren’t planning on it, we’re just going to go.
For the time being, it appears the Jaguars’ door is open for their former first-round pick to return. However, the more time that slips by with Blackmon remaining AWOL, would lead us to believe he is not in any hurry to return.
As it stands now, Blackmon’s short NFL career consists of only 20 games where he has totaled 1,280 yards and six touchdowns off of 93 receptions.
Photo: USA Today Sports