Jaguars' Ridley reinstated from gambling suspension

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been fully reinstated from a suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy, the league announced Monday.

Ridley was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in 2021 while a member of the Atlanta Falcons, and he was forced to miss the 2022 season as a result. He applied for reinstatement on Feb. 15, the first day he was eligible to do so.

"Today's reinstatement by the NFL brings an end to a challenging chapter of my professional career, one that was self-inflicted and began with an isolated lapse in judgment," Ridley said in a statement. "I have always owned my mistakes, and this is no different."

He added that he's "excited" about the opportunity to restart his career in Jacksonville.

The 28-year-old was traded to the Jaguars last November for conditional draft pick compensation that could be worth up to a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 second-round selection. The wideout can participate in all of the team's activities going forward.

Ridley slides into a dynamic Jaguars offense that took a major step forward last season during Trevor Lawrence's second year under center. He joins a skill group that features the likes of running back Travis Etienne, wideout Christian Kirk, and tight end Evan Engram, who reportedly will be franchise tagged.

The Jaguars earned their first postseason appearance since 2017 last season under head coach Doug Pederson. The offensive unit ranked inside the top 10 in scoring with an average of 23.8 points per game, while Lawrence tallied 4,113 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.

A former first-round pick, Ridley's best season came in 2020 when he caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.

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