NFL
Why isn’t J.K. Dobbins playing for the Chargers against the Falcons in Week 13? When will he be back?
The former Ravens running back has been having an excellent time of things in LA, but now he’s facing a setback ahead of Falcons clash.
J‘Kaylin Dobbins had an injury-plagued tenure with the Baltimore Ravens before making the move to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he has been performing well. But the running back is out of action once again, coming, rather ironically, in the team’s 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12.
This setback halts what had been a standout season for the 25-year-old, who joined the Chargers this year as a free agent. Dobbins led the team in rushing with 766 yards and eight touchdowns through 11 games, showing the kind of resilience and productivity that made him a Comeback Player of the Year contender. However, staying on the field has always been a challenge for him.
How did J.K. Dobbins get injured this time?
Dobbins sprained his MCL in the first half against Baltimore, where he managed 40 yards on six carries before being sidelined. The Chargers decided to err on the side of caution, prioritizing his recovery with the playoffs in sight.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team aims to have Dobbins fully healed for the critical stretch run of the season. For now, the team will lean on Gus Edwards, rookie Kimani Vidal, and Hassan Haskins to fill the void in the backfield.
What does this mean for the Chargers?
The Chargers, sitting at 7-4 and in the thick of the playoff race, now face a significant challenge. Dobbins wasn’t just their leading rusher; he was a key piece of an offense that relies on balanced contributions. While quarterback Justin Herbert’s mobility might offer some stopgap solutions, the pressure will be on Edwards and the rest of the backfield to step up in Dobbins’ absence.
Adding to the team’s woes, safety Alohi Gilman has also been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring issue, leaving the Chargers thin in the secondary. With critical games ahead, including a must-win against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13, Los Angeles has little margin for error.
When can J.K. Dobbins return?
The earliest Dobbins could return is Week 17 which would be against the New England Patriots on December 29. Whether he will be in game-ready condition by then remains uncertain, and given his history, the Chargers are likely to proceed with caution. While fans would love to see him back on the field soon, the focus is on ensuring he’s fully recovered before taking another snap.
For now, the Chargers will have to fight for their playoff lives without one of their brightest stars. As frustrating as it is for Dobbins and the team, they’ve both been here before—and they know the only way forward is to keep moving the chains, one game at a time.
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