Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson will miss the first four games of the season after the NFL handed out its long-awaited performance-enhancing drug suspension on Thursday afternoon.
The suspension had loomed for quite some time, with the Jaguars learning of it before the draft. The Jaguars selected Oklahoma left tackle Anton Harrison with the No. 27 pick in last April’s draft, but didn’t have a definitive answer on how long Robinson would be suspended for.
“We are aware of the four-game suspension incurred today by OL Cam Robinson. While we certainly respect the NFL’s ruling and are disappointed with this development, we will support Cam as he works his way through the suspension,” the Jaguars said in a statement. “We are confident that Cam and our team will rise above this challenge as we collectively move forward.”
Robinson finished last season on the injured list after tearing his meniscus. The team moved Walker Little to Robinson’s left tackle spot. Jawaan Taylor was at right tackle. With Taylor leaving in free agency for the Chiefs and Robinson’s suspension now locked in at four games, that likely means Little stays at left tackle and Harrison starts at right tackle. In a statement, Robinson apologized for the suspension.
“As a veteran leader in the locker room, I always want to set a good example and my actions in this instance are not a reflection of that goal. I apologize to the fans, my coaches and, most importantly, my teammates. It hurts me that I cannot be out there with my brothers at the start of the regular season,” he said. “I will attack training camp the same way I have for the last six seasons, to make sure I am ready both mentally and physically.”
The Jaguars and Robinson reached a contract extension in June 2022. Robinson signed a three-year deal worth a max total of $54 million with $33 million guaranteed. According to ESPN, Robinson will lose $3.55 million in base salary and the voids the guaranteed money left in his deal.
Robinson was originally drafted by Jacksonville in the second round (34th overall) of the 2017 draft, and the team placed a franchise tag on Robinson in March 2021.