There has been lots of speculation as to whether or not newly signed first-round pick, Justin Blackmon, would see any action on Friday during the team's first pre-season game against the New York Giants. Following today's morning session of training camp, Coach Mike Mularkey ended any talks of that possibly happening, as according to Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union, Blackmon will miss the team's first exhibition game, like many expected.
Mularkey said Justin won;t play against Giants but can be full go Thursday in practice cuz Jags are counting Monday as first day of return.
— Vito Stellino(@vitostellino) August 7, 2012
This is a rational move on the part of the coaching staff, as you don't want to throw the #5 overall pick into the fire for what amounts to a glorified scrimmage, only a day after he begins to fully practice with the team in pads. To play Blackmon in this situation, against the defending Super Bowl champions, would be completely asinine, or something the previous coaching regime would have no trouble doing.
Blackmon will have a full week of practice under his belt come next week, where barring injury, he'll almost certainly make his Jaguars debut against the New Orleans Saints, in the team's second pre-season game. Where he'll rank on the depth chart at that time, will be watched closely throught the coming days.