Jim Harbaugh shares excitement for J.K. Dobbins in Chargers offense

There’s no denying the talent of Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins. Whether or not he can stay on the field, however, is a valid question at this stage in his career.

Since coming into the league in 2020 out of Ohio State, Dobbins has appeared in just 24 games. Though he’s averaged a robust 5.8 yards per carry in games he’s played in, the Baltimore Ravens opted not to re-sign him after the 2023 campaign, and he became a free agent earlier this offseason.

Still just 25, Dobbins gets a fresh start with the Chargers, and in an offense which will emphasize totin’ the rock. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is “encouraged” by the way Dobbins looks now 11 months removed from his Achilles tear and is excited to see him apart of the backfield this season.

“Encouraged,” Harbaugh said last week during training camp. “So far, so good. You just brought up another name who’s infectious in the way he goes about his business. His work — he’s another guy I gotta talk to every day, gotta be around and just give me some of that juice.”

J.K. Dobbins finally healthy after Achilles tear

Dobbins’s career has been snakebitten by injuries, as he tore his ACL in the preseason ahead of the 2021 season. He returned in 2022, suiting up in eight games. Then came the torn Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 season. 805 of his 1,347 career rushing yards came during his rookie campaign, the only season in which he’s been able to stay healthy.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Sunday he likes where Dobbins is at in his recovery.

“I think he’s doing good, he’s right on schedule,” Roman said. “Feeling really good about J.K. Love his spirit, he’s a great football player. He’s on track. He’s been really diligent with his rehab throughout the whole course of the year.”

Dobbins, along with veteran Gus Edwards, form the new running back duo in Los Angeles. Dobbins said he feels like his college self again and is ready to show he’s one of the best running backs in the NFL — when healthy.

“I feel like I’m in college out there right now,” Dobbins said. “And I do think that the storm is over. Now I’m on a new journey, a healthy journey this year. You guys will see — it’ll be special.”