Chargers Star JK Dobbins goes to locker room with apparent injury

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, 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 set so low, especially considering he had topped 46.5 yards in each of his previous four games. The Baltimore Ravens’ second-ranked rushing 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 rushing for 47+ yards in seven games.

While his injury was apparently serious 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 doubtful to return to the game.

Dobbins starred at Ohio State University, where he rushed for over 4,400 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons and established himself as one of the best running 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.

JK Dobbins
JK Dobbins #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Dobbins made a strong comeback in 2022, showing his talent despite lingering injury problems. But after the 2023 season, Dobbins’ contract with the Ravens expired, leaving him in search of a new team.

He eventually signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and reunited 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 averages 4.8 yards per carry. 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. carry.

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