J.K. Dobbins Set To Debut For His New Team In Week 1
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is set to make his Chargers debut in the backfield in a Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dobbins will be paired with Gus Edwards, and while Edwards will do a lot of the running, Dobbins will be the one in for most of the passing game work. He's been an injury risk for essentially his entire career, but the upside certainly exists, especially in the offensive scheme he'll be playing in. He's a guy worth stashing on the bench to see how he fits with Justin Herbert and the rest of the Bolts, but probably not a guy you're comfortable starting in Week 1.
Chargers To Use "Hot Hand" Approach With J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards
Los Angeles Chargers running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were listed as co-starters on the team's first official depth chart, and which back will get more touches has been a mystery all offseason. In a media availability on Thursday, offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggested it could change week-to-week. "We don't overthink that. They're both going to play, and whoever's got the hot hand as I tell them, has got the hot hand," Roman said. "So we're going to go with the hot hand." While both players should be rostered in all 12-plus team leagues, it would be a surprise if Dobbins is effective following an Achilles tear roughly one year ago. Achilles tears have proven to be career-enders for many players, especially at the running back position. However, he's not on the Week 1 injury report, so he could make a surprising comeback. For now, Edwards carries an RB3 outlook into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Dobbins is a risky flex consideration.
Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins Considered Co-Starters At Running Back
The Los Angeles Chargers released their first official depth chart of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday and listed running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as co-starters, with rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins behind them as depth. Both Edwards and Dobbins have operated in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system before in Baltimore. Edwards should handle most of the team's short-yardage, goal-line situations after scoring 13 rushing TDs with the Ravens in 2023. However, Dobbins looked explosive in training camp after coming off two major injuries the last few seasons. Dobbins is the more elusive back in space and could surprise as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in deep PPR leagues if he can stay healthy in 2024. Edwards will be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in his Chargers debut in Week 1 versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look to rejuvenate his career with his new team in 2024. The former second-round pick has been held to 24 total games since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. The talent is there as Dobbins has averaged 5.8 yards per carry since joining the league. Sadly, Dobbins hasn't been able to stay on the field due to injuries. Despite that, Ben Solak of ESPN believes Dobbins can be the X-factor on this Chargers roster. He's probably not wrong as Dobbins does have all the talent and big-play ability to be a legitimate option in the league. The Chargers figure to be a run-heavy offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Fantasy managers shouldn't spent a high pick on Dobbins, but he could be worth a look as a late-round option in deep leagues. If healthy, Dobbins could be a difference maker on this offense that doesn't have a true No. 1 back heading into Week 1.
J.K. Dobbins Held Out Of Preseason, Listed As Joint RB1
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins did not register a touch in his first preseason with the team. This was likely due to his veteran status, familiarity with Greg Roman's offensive system, and an extensive injury history that the Chargers' didn't want to add to before he takes his first regular season snap. After all, Los Angeles wants its top running backs healthy and ready to go for Week 1. It should be noted that Gus Edwards was also held out of the preseason. Both backs are listed jointly at the No. 1 spot on the Chargers' depth chart. There were suspicions a few months ago that Edwards would be the lead back, but it appears to be heading toward more of a true split. Los Angeles may certainly decide to just ride the hot hand in 2024. As long as both are healthy, Dobbins and Edwards are nothing more than RB3/FLEX plays.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman spoke highly of J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), saying he is "as good as anybody" when healthy, according to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Dobbins has endured several major season-ending injuries before, but his offseason recovery has gone quite well and he's in the mix for the lead-back role with Gus Edwards. Both Edwards and Dobbins showed flashes of promise during their time together in Baltimore, but neither should be viewed as anything more than an RB3/FLEX option heading into the 2024 fantasy football season. As it stands, managers favor Edwards (Yahoo ADP of 100) over Dobbins (Yahoo ADP of 168) in redraft leagues.
Los Angeles Chargers running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins split first-team repetitions at training camp practice on Tuesday. The reps were Edwards' first in a team period since the Chargers signed him in free agency this offseason, as he has been working his way back from an undisclosed injury that required surgery. Rookie sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal has been working with the backups early in camp. As long as Dobbins is able to stay healthy, he figures to be in some sort of timeshare in LA's backfield with Edwards. The 29-year-old Edwards had a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns in 2023 in his final year in Baltimore, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect anything close to that number in 2024 in his first year with the Bolts. Edwards should lead the Bolts backfield in touches this year, but Dobbins is going to be a thorn in his side, making him more of an RB3/flex in fantasy.
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) told reporters Thursday that he is one of the league's best running backs when healthy. "Ya'll know how much yards I averaged per carry," said Dobbins. The former Baltimore Raven has averaged 5.8 yards per carry since entering the league in 2020 -- the highest of any running back in that time. However, performance hasn't been the issue for the former Ohio State Buckeye; his availability has. He's appeared in just 24 of a potential 73 career games after falling victim to tears in his ACL and Achilles over the last few seasons. Despite this, Dobbins still views himself as a top talent in the league. "I feel like I'm in college out there right now," Dobbins said. "And I do think that the storm is over... You guys will see -- it'll be special." Dobbins has been a full go through two days of training camp, while Gus Edwards has yet to participate in team drills after an unspecified offseason surgery. Interestingly enough, Dobbins is currently being selected as the RB49 (ADP 150) -- 30 picks after Gus Edwards (RB40). It's possible he can provide some value this year with the caveat that he remains healthy.
J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards In Full Uniform For Chargers' Camp
After working on the side during June's minicamp, Gus Edwards (undisclosed) was seen working out in full uniform and performing individual drills during training camp on Wednesday along with J.K. Dobbins (Achilles). Edwards was reported to have had an offseason procedure, but it looks like he will increase his work as camp continues. Both Edwards and Dobbins will jockey for touches in a competitive backfield, along with rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Isaiah Spiller. Edwards should have a leg up on the group as an early-down back and also receive goal-line work. At the same time, the team will likely handle Dobbins' Achilles injury recovery more cautiously. It's looking like Edwards is a mid-round value RB3 for fantasy managers in 2024, while Dobbins' status throughout training camp should be closely monitored.
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in 2023 while with the Baltimore Ravens, said he's "100 percent now." Dobbins had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries for the Ravens in his rookie year. But since then, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2021, played in just eight games in 2022 with another knee injury and missed all of last year with his Achilles tear. He'll be joining former Ravens RB Gus Edwards and offensive coordinator Greg Roman in LA in 2024. The familiarity with Roman is definitely good for Dobbins as he attempts to return from yet another devastating injury, but the presence of Edwards and Dobbins' extensive injury history will make him a pretty big fantasy risk with the Bolts. At best, the 25-year-old will probably be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers.
