Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell has conceded that Justin Blackmon's career in the NFL could be over.
The AFC South side selected the wide receiver with the fifth overall pick in the 2012 Draft, and Blackmon had a promising rookie season for the club.
However, the 25-year-old was suspended for violating the league's policy for substances of abuse and was limited to just four games in the 2013 season.
Two further breaches of the policy followed which resulted in an indefinite suspension by the NFL, and Caldwell has admitted that he is not hopeful his ban will ever be lifted.
"I have not heard anything and I guess I harbour 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 told reporters.
"Your skills do erode and especially if you're not staying in tip-top shape and you're not in football shape.
"I don't know what 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."
Blackmon recorded 93 receptions for 1,280 yards and six touchdowns in his 20 matches in the NFL.
Simon Sinclair
