Los Angeles star running back JK Dobbins left the field after being evaluated for a possible knee injury during the team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
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After missing 16 games in 2023 due to an Achilles injury, Dobbins has made an impressive comeback 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 so low, especially since he had passed for 46.5 yards in each of his previous four games. The Baltimore Ravens’ second-ranked run 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 more than 47 yards in seven games.
Although his injury was apparently serious enough to send him to the locker room, video footage from the game did not show the running back limping or showing obvious pain. Despite this, he was deemed doubtful to return to play.
JK Dobbins #chargers
He injured his knee during this play. A valgus moment at the knee as the defender underneath him essentially creates a fulcrum for Dobbins’ knee, which would put pressure on the MCL. It looks like it’s not too bad and there’s not a lot of excessive movement. pic.twitter.com/gxb84ODeVI
– Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 26, 2024
Dobbins played at Ohio State University, throwing for over 4,400 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons, establishing himself as one of the best backs in college football. He was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
During his rookie season, Dobbins quickly became a key player in Baltimore’s 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.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Dobbins made a strong return in 2022, showcasing his talent despite ongoing injury issues. However, after the 2023 season, Dobbins’ contract with the Ravens expired, leaving him looking for 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 kept him sidelined for a season. Many running backs never return to their old level after such an injury, but Dobbins proved he can still perform at a high level. In 10 games with the Chargers, Dobbins rushed 152 times for 726 yards (11th in the NFL) and eight touchdowns (5th), including a game-winning score. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 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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