Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is unlikely to play against the Atlanta Falcons this week due to a knee injury.
Dobbins got hurt in the first half of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Before leaving the game, he had six carries for 40 yards and three catches for 19 yards.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh did not give specific details about the injury on Wednesday, only confirming that Dobbins is “working through something with his knee.”
Dobbins had been having a strong first season with the Chargers (7-4) after battling injuries in the past three years with Baltimore. He has rushed for 766 yards and eight touchdowns through 11 games for Los Angeles, making him a top contender for AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Dobbins tore his Achilles tendon in the 2023 season opener for Baltimore. He also tore his ACL in 2021, and that injury had lasting effects into the next season. Dobbins played in only 24 of 67 regular-season games for the Ravens, who drafted him in the second round in 2020.
“We feel horrible for him,” said quarterback Justin Herbert. “He’s such a tough, tough teammate, and the way he’s fought through so many injuries, we have no doubt he’s going to be back better than ever. And so it’s up to us. It’s our responsibility to hold it down while he’s gone.”
With Dobbins out, Gus Edwards, Hassan Haskins, and rookie Kimani Vidal are the Chargers’ remaining running back options. Edwards missed four games due to a high ankle sprain and has 206 yards and one touchdown in seven games. Haskins has mostly contributed on special teams, and Vidal has been inactive for seven games, including the last three.
