Now that Austin Ekeler won’t be returning, the Los Angeles Chargers have a sudden need for a running back. Some might argue that general manager Joe Hortiz already addressed this need with the signing of Gus Edwards, but he’s just one part of what’s expected to be a running back by committee approach under Jim Harbaugh.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Chargers are meeting with J.K. Dobbins on Thursday. Like Edwards, Dobbins is a former Baltimore Ravens player, but he’s still lingering in free agency.
Dobbins, 25, was the 55th overall pick by the Ravens back in 2020. He had a strong rookie season, rushing for 805 yards and nine touchdowns despite starting just one out of the 15 games he appeared in.
But Dobbins would only play in nine more games across the next three seasons while missing 2021 entirely with injury. Dobbins is recovering from a torn Achilles, but now he’s been cleared to resume football activities, which is why we’re starting to see his market pick up.
With former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman now operating the Chargers’ offense, Dobbins would appear to be a strong fit, providing immediate familiarity to the backfield. While Dobbins doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear on his tires, the injury history is a concern. Yet, after averaging a robust 5.8 yards per carry, he seems like the perfect player to gamble on for the right rate.
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