Once considered one of the best young receivers in the game, former Jacksonville Jaguars top-five pick Justin Blackmon has not suited up for a NFL game since October of 2013. Suspended indefinitely following a third violation of the league's substance abuse policy, we haven't heard much from Blackmon since his latest suspension was handed down in November of 2013.
Though, Jaguars general manager David Caldwell sure isn't holding back when talking about the team's former No. 1 wide receiver:
"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, via ESPN. "Your skills do erode and especially if you're not staying in tip-top shape and you're not in football shape."
Outside of the bubble in Jacksonville, we have no idea whether Blackmon is keeping in shape. If we were to read into Caldwell's comments above, it's realistic to think the recevier isn't keeeping in "tip-tip" shape.
Caldwell continued:
"I don't know to expect but I would say 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."
There's the ominous warning right there. As Caldwell suggests, it doesn't appear that football is a top priority for Blackmon right now.
And that's just sad.
Blackmon's career got off to a strong start. He recorded 93 receptions for 1,280 yards and six touchdowns in his first 20 NFL games—the only 20 games he's played thus far in his career.
With the Jaguars obviously intent on moving on from Blackmon, the likes of Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns are the team's top-three receivers. That depth was clarified last month when Jacksonville released Ace Sanders, who has since been suspended 10 games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.