Blackmon expected to play; Shorts iffy
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said Thursday he expects to have wide receiver Justin Blackmon healthy for Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers but is not so confident in Cecil Shorts' status.
Bradley said Blackmon is improving in recovering from hamstring and groin strains. He is not expected to practice Friday but should be ready by Sunday.
Shorts, Jacksonville's top receiver, is likely a game-time decision with a sprained right shoulder. Additionally, receiver Ace Sanders still in the NFL's concussion program, has not practiced this week and is not expected to play.
"Blackmon's good," Bradley said. "I think it's something that he'll have to deal with. He may be a guy that we hold out tomorrow just to keep it calmed down.
"I don't think he's in the same boat as Cecil but we might still just be real thoughtful on what we do with him tomorrow."
Blackmon has 19 catches for 326 yards in two games since returning from a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He leads all NFL receivers in both categories over the past two weeks.
Shorts leads the team with 31 receptions for 411 yards. The swelling in his shoulder has subsided and there is still some pain. However, he was able to windmill his right arm in the locker room to show how much range of motion he has regained, according to ESPN.com.
"I ran around today in walk-through and felt pretty good," Shorts said. "It's going to hurt. So we'll see how it goes. No decision yet but I'm excited about my chances."
Shorts practiced on a limited basis Thursday but will be held out Friday.
