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.
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that recently signed running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who is coming back from a torn Achilles, "should be" ready for training camp at the end of July. Hortiz also said the Dobbins signing is not likely to change the team's draft approach at running back. "You don't want to turn away from a good player because you've signed someone," Hortiz said. The Bolts lost do-it-all back Austin Ekeler to free agency this offseason, but they also picked up Gus Edwards in free agency, and he should fit new offensive coordinator Greg Roman's and head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive system extremely well. The 25-year-old Dobbins has played in just nine regular-season games the last two seasons combined due to devastating lower-body injuries, so it's fair to wonder how much he has left moving forward.
Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) plans to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to his agent. Dobbins appeared in just one game in 2023 before he tore his Achilles and missed the remainder of the campaign. The veteran runner will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who called plays for the Baltimore Ravens during a portion of Dobbins' stint there. Signs indicate that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to operate a run-heavy offensive approach with the Chargers, which would be good news for Dobbins, provided he's healthy. Consider this a good landing spot for Dobbins, who will look to prove his health in hopes of landing a long-term deal next offseason.
Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is visiting with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Baltimore Raven met with the Los Angeles Chargers last week, but he left L.A. without a contract. Dobbins was recently cleared for football activities following an Achilles tear that he suffered in Week 1 of the 2023 campaign. The 25-year-old has been great when healthy, averaging 5.8 yards per carry in his career. That ranks second all-time among running backs with at least 200 carries. However, it's tough to ignore the injury woes, as he has played in just 23 of his 67 possible games since being drafted by Baltimore in 2020. If he ends up signing with Kansas City, he's likely to be a part-time breather back behind Isiah Pacheco. If his recovery from a torn Achilles goes better than expected, he could have a smidge of fantasy football value in 2024.
Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is scheduled to visit with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Baltimore Raven suffered a torn Achilles early in the 2023 campaign, but he was cleared for football activities this week, so he will likely start drawing more interest on the free-agent market. Originally a second-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Dobbins posted 805 rushing yards and nine scores on just 134 attempts (6.0 YPC) as a rookie, but he missed the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2022 and saw his 2023 season end after just eight rushing attempts with an Achilles injury. Given his injury woes early in his career, it's fair to be concerned about his future production. Regardless of his landing spot, he's likely to be eased into action, meaning his fantasy upside is capped early in 2024.
Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) has been cleared for football activities, according to Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Dobbins tore his Achilles tendon early in the 2023 season but reportedly looks "outstanding" as he continues his rehab efforts. The veteran running back is expected to be making visits to NFL teams soon as he looks to latch on with another team after the Baltimore Ravens let him leave as a free-agent. Dobbins' days as a lead back might be over but he could still form part of a backfield committee moving forward.
Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) posted videos on social media on Thursday of him running on a field and on a treadmill five and a half months after suffering a torn Achilles in Week 1 of last season. The 25-year-old will be hoping to get a new contract from the Ravens this offseason, but Baltimore could also bring back Gus Edwards, and they've been connected to some big-name impending free-agent RBs as well. Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell (knee) are still under contract with the Ravens. Even if Dobbins fully recovers from his injury and sticks in Baltimore, his extensive injury history -- he's played in only nine games the last three years -- and the fact that the Ravens will likely have plenty of competition in the backfield, doesn't inspire a ton of confidence in his 2024 fantasy value.
Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is expected to undergo surgery on Friday for his torn Achilles, according to a source. Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers recovered in less than six months from a torn Achilles two years ago, and Dobbins is aiming for a similar timeline with his recovery. In any event, fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely drop Dobbins after just one week of the 2023 season. The 24-year-old will enter free agency next March, but he'll have to prove his health before any other teams take a chance on the injury-prone running back. With Dobbins now out of the picture, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill will share Baltimore's backfield, with veteran Melvin Gordon III expected to join the roster from the practice squad.
