Running back JK Dobbins went through a harrowing ordeal over the last three seasons. After a promising rookie campaign with the Baltimore Ravens, he skipped the 2021 season due to a torn ACL. A year later, another knee injury limited him to seven games. Worst yet, a torn Achilles tendon ended his 2023 season after one game.
However, despite having limited playing time due to injuries, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers took a flier on him via a one-year contract. The Chargers’ gamble has paid off two weeks into the 2024 NFL season.
During their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, Dobbins finished with 135 yards and a touchdown. A week later, he compiled 131 rushing yards and a touchdown. He leads the league with 266 rushing yards, which helped the Chargers win their first two games.
But what’s more impressive is that he collected that many yards in just 27 carries. For comparison, second-place Jordan Mason has 266 yards on 48 carries, while fourth-place Saquon Barkley has 204 yards on 46 carries.
on only 27 carries pic.twitter.com/rzq3BbbQLW
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 17, 2024
In addition to Dobbins’ talent, his success is a product of Harbaugh’s offensive scheme and the solid Chargers offensive line, particularly Rashawn Slater and rookie Joe Alt.
Dobbins can add to his rushing yards when they visit the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.
-Lance Fernandez