J.K. Dobbins injury update: Chargers RB diagnosis, return timeline revealed

Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) running back J.K. Dobbins has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Dobbins, 25, sustained the injury in the second quarter of Monday’s 30-23 Week 12 home defeat to the Baltimore Ravens (8-4). He will be out for this Sunday’s Week 13 road tilt against the Atlanta Falcons (6-5), and his availability will be up in the air after that, Rapoport noted.

Dobbins was on pace for a career season, having rushed for 766 yards on 4.8 yards per carry, to go along with eight touchdowns. He has added 28 receptions for 134 yards.

Dobbins’ 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 2,113 career rushing yards came during his rookie campaign with the Ravens, the only season in which he’s been able to stay healthy.

Chargers need others to step up in J.K. Dobbins’ absence

Gus Edwards will likely take the lion’s share of the carries with Dobbins sidelined. Rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins have the opportunity to chip in as well. The trio have combined for 276 yards on the ground this season.

“Obviously, I’m hoping J.K. is OK. Gus has been an awesome addition, being able to run and go and get some yards,” quarterback Justin Herbert said, via the Associated Press. “We just got to stay with it. I think that offensive line has done a great job all year. It didn’t go our way today, but we’re going to keep pounding the ball and keep getting after it.”