"All of us who are a part of the Jaguars family care very deeply about Justin and his well-being," Jaguars general manager David Caldwell said in a statement. "That said, he must be held accountable and accept the consequences announced today by the NFL.

"His suspension will provide him the opportunity to receive the attention and professional treatment necessary to overcome his challenges, and we will support him during this time. The Jacksonville Jaguars will evaluate Justin's status once he has successfully met the criteria to be considered for reinstatement to the league."

According to Jags beat writer Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, Blackmon was suspended without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. O'Halloran also reported Blackmon will be eligible for reinstatement before the 2014 season. He has since apologized.

Blackmon was the No. 5 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 NFL season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Blackmon was arrested for DUIs in 2010 and 2012.

The Jaguars are 0-8.

Blackmon has 29 catches for 415 yards. He was banned the season's first four games and placed in a testing program. At that time he said that getting in trouble is "not who I'm going to be."

After all, the troubled receiver has proven to be talented in two seasons. He has 93 catches for 1,280 yards and six scores in 20 games — all since Jacksonville traded up to select the former Oklahoma State star with the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Blackmon credited his four-game suspension for his success this season, saying he used the time away to get in better shape.


THAD NEWS


Another day, another QB problem for the Bills: Thad Lewis is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chiefs because of a rib injury.

Lewis returned to practice on Friday on a limited basis. He participated in drop backs with his fellow quarterbacks during the portion of practice open to the media but did not throw.

"It's a point of the soreness of the ribs, really just being able to turn and throw and that's the one thing that's holding him back," Bills coach Doug Marrone said. "If he can get by that, then he'll be able to play."

Lewis started the past three games in place of injured EJ Manuel, going 1-2. He has 652 yards passing with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

If Lewis is unable to play, the Bills (3-5) will start either undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel or the recently signed Matt Flynn. Marrone said he would wait to decide who will start in that scenario but said Tuel received more reps at practice Friday.

Running back C.J. Spiller is probable and is expected to play after missing last week's Saints game with a high ankle sprain. Linebacker Manny Lawson (hamstring) is also expected to return after sitting out vs. the Saints.

Wide receiver Stevie Johnson, who battled through a hip injury against the Saints, is probable.


CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS ON


Look who's back: Christian Ponder will start Sunday when the Vikings face the Cowboys. That's according to coach Leslie Frazier in a somewhat surprising decision to replace Josh Freeman.

After spending three games on the sideline, Ponder started last weekend against the Packers while Freeman sat out with a concussion. He did little to prove himself the long-term answer. He threw for 145 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 44-31 loss.

Most thought Frazier would go back to Freeman. Instead, Frazier said Ponder gives the team the best chance to win. At least he won't be facing the full brunt of the Dallas defense.

Cornerback Morris Claiborne and guard Brian Waters will miss the game, the Cowboys said Friday.

Claiborne strained a hamstring against the Lions is expected to miss two games. If so he will also have the bye week to get healthy.

Waters injured a triceps muscle against the Lions, along with less serious knee and rib injuries.

Also out: Safety J.J. Wilcox will miss his second consecutive game with a right knee sprain. And defensive end DeMarcus Ware is doubtful with a quadriceps injury.

Contributor: The Associated Press