Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins is out for the season after tearing his Achilles in Week 1. Here are three options Baltimore could turn to be its next RB1.
Colts All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor is the best running back who is "available." Of course, it will take a trade to get him and a likely high compensation to do so, but the Ravens would instantly upgrade the position.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said he expects trades talks to resume, which is perfect timing after losing Dobbins for the rest of the year.
"All sides now have four weeks to come to a mutually beneficial conclusion to end a summer-long drama," Rapoport writes.
The best running back who is definitely available is arguably Kareem Hunt, who spent the last four seasons with Baltimore's division-rival Browns. The 28-year-old free agent would come at a cheap price and surely welcome playing his former team twice a year.
Cleveland parted ways with Hunt this offseason after believing his speed was slipping, but he may still have some good football left in him as he was never the bell cow but rather a complement to RB Nick Chubb during his time with the Browns.
The Ravens may just opt to replace Dobbins with one of their own. Baltimore still has running backs Gus Edwards and Justice Hill on its 53-man roster. Both players have proven to be reliable replacements before, although never for an entire season.
Head coach John Harbaugh did hint, however, that another running back, one on the Ravens practice squad, could get the nod.
"We're good, like the guys we have. Melvin Gordon is here for a reason. He's a proven back and I'm very very glad he's here," Harbaugh said.
Only time will tell what Baltimore will decide to do, but the team is not short of options, which is certainly a good thing.
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