Los Angeles star running back JK Dobbins has left the field after being evaluated for a possible knee injury in the team’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
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After missing 16 games in 2023 due to an Achilles injury, Dobbins has made an impressive return this season. He currently ranks 13th in rushing yards and has scored eight touchdowns.
Despite his solid production, it was unexpected to see his rushing yardage set so low, especially given that he had surpassed 46.5 yards in each of his previous four games. The Baltimore Ravens’ second-ranked rush defense likely played a role in those expectations. However, Dobbins has been a workhorse, recording at least 14 carries in eight of his 10 games this season, and he has rushed for 47+ yards in seven games.
While his injury was apparently severe enough to send him to the locker room, video footage from the game does not show the running back limping or showing obvious pain. Despite that, he has been ruled questionable to return to the game.
JK Dobbins #chargers
Injured his knee on this play. A valgus moment at the knee as the defender below him essentially creates a fulcrum at Dobbins knee, which would put stress on the MCL. Sounds like it’s not too bad, and there’s not a ton of excessive motion. pic.twitter.com/gxb84ODeVI
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 26, 2024
Dobbins starred at Ohio State University, rushing for over 4,400 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons, establishing himself as one of the top backs in college football. He was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, Dobbins quickly emerged as a key player in Baltimore’s run-heavy offense, totaling 805 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. However, his career took a hit in 2021 when he suffered a torn ACL during training camp, forcing him to miss the entire season.
Dobbins made a strong comeback in 2022, showcasing his talent despite lingering injury concerns. However, after the 2023 season, Dobbins’ contract with the Ravens expired, leaving him in search of a new team.
Dobbins eventually signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, reuniting with former Ravens teammates Gus Edwards and Greg Roman, who is now the Chargers’ offensive coordinator.
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The main question surrounding Dobbins was whether he could fully recover from the Achilles injury that sidelined him for a season. Many running backs never return to their former level after such an injury, but Dobbins has proven he can still perform at a high level. Through 10 games with the Chargers, Dobbins has rushed 152 times for 726 yards (11th in the NFL) and eight touchdowns (5th), including a game-winning score. He’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has added 25 receptions for 115 yards.
This season, only four players — Dobbins, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Jahmyr Gibbs — have had four games in which they scored a rushing touchdown, caught a pass, and averaged at least 5.0 yards per carry.
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