JK Dobbins could be conducting 'hold in' with Ravens

We might need to add JK Dobbins to the expanding list of disgruntled running backs. The NFL currently is stocked full of them, as the league continues to devalue the position.

As the Ravens roll into week two of training camp, Dobbins has yet to practice. It was a similar situation in June’s mini-camp. Dobbins showed up, so he wasn’t fined. But he didn’t participate beyond watching. Is he conducting a hold-in? That’s sort of like a holdout, except you’re on-site and the team can’t fine you.

Baltimore placed the former Ohio State star on the physically unable to perform list. The reason appears to be lingering knee issues. A reporter asked Ravens coach John Harbaugh about Dobbins situation and asked when it becomes a concern.

“You know, I don’t know. It’s a fair question, and there is a point in time when it does become a concern,” Harbaugh said earlier this week. “J.K. and I talked last night. We talk a lot. He wants to be out there, and he needs to be out there, just like any player does. Other than that, there’s nothing else I can really add. I don’t know when he’s going to come back, but I know I’m going to be really happy when he does.”

Baltimore selected JK Dobbins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. So he’s entering his final season of his rookie contract. Word is that Dobbins wants a new contract with more money. He’s set to earn $1.4 million this year. No one questions whether Dobbins is a talented back. He averaged six yards a carry last season. But he has a difficult time staying healthy.

Dobbins missed the 2021 season after tearing his ACL in the final exhibition game. And he played in only seven games in 2022. He missed the first two Sundays before he was cleared to play. Then he suffered another knee injury and missed a chunk of time. So there’s a quandary — do you pay Dobbins knowing there’s a chance for more injury issues?

Without Dobbins, the Ravens have Justice Hill and Gus Edwards. Plus, Baltimore signed Melvin Gordon, a former first-rounder, last month. The team announced the signing the same day the Ravens confirmed Dobbins was on the unable-to-perform list.

It seems that Gordon spilled the secrets on Dobbins during an interview this week with the Baltimore Banner.

“I didn’t even know he’s sitting out, but J.K. is sitting out,” Gordon said in the interview. “They’re not even making a big headline out of it, unless you’re in Indy (Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is sitting out), I guess. And they got other players sitting out. I didn’t even know J.K. was sitting out until I came here.”

JK Dobbins isn’t the only running back possibly willing to make a statement for better pay. Raiders star Josh Jacobs, who won the NFL rushing title in 2022, is skipping training camp. And Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade from the Colts after management turned down a request for more money.