Former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins is set to sign a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to his agency, LAA Sports. This move not only brings Dobbins to a new team but also reunites him with his former offensive coordinator in Baltimore, Greg Roman, and his former backfield mate Gus Edwards. The familiarity with Roman’s system could potentially benefit Dobbins as he transitions to a new team.
Dobbins brings a different playing style compared to Edwards, showcasing elusiveness and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. While the Ravens did not heavily involve their running backs in the passing game, Dobbins showed promise in his rookie season under Roman by recording a career-high 18 receptions. This could be beneficial for the Chargers, especially considering quarterback Justin Herbert’s reliance on former running back Austin Ekeler in the passing offense.
Despite being one of the most explosive backs in the league, Dobbins has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Over the past three seasons, he has missed a significant number of games due to various injuries, including a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the entire last season. However, when healthy, Dobbins has demonstrated his explosiveness on the field, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry, the highest among running backs with at least 200 carries since 2020.
Dobbins’ career with the Ravens started promisingly, setting a rookie record with 9 touchdowns and showing signs of potential as the starting running back. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his progress, including a season-ending left knee injury in 2021 and an Achilles injury in the 2023 season opener against the Houston Texans. Despite these setbacks, Dobbins declared himself fully healthy heading into the 2023 season with the Chargers.
The signing of J.K. Dobbins by the Los Angeles Chargers could have significant implications for the team’s offense. With his unique skill set and ability to contribute in both the running and passing game, Dobbins could provide a dynamic element to the Chargers’ backfield. However, his injury history raises concerns about his durability and availability throughout the season. If Dobbins can stay healthy and recapture his pre-injury form, he could become a valuable asset for the Chargers’ offense.
The addition of J.K. Dobbins to the Los Angeles Chargers brings excitement and potential to the team. With his reunion with familiar faces, different playing style, explosive performance, injury concerns, and promising start, Dobbins presents both opportunities and challenges for the Chargers. It will be intriguing to see how he fits into the team’s offensive scheme and whether he can overcome his injury setbacks to make a significant impact on the field.