Lamar Jackson 'can't wait' for J.K. Dobbins to return to Baltimore Ravens practice

JK Dobbins burst onto the scene for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 after returning from a knee procedure in the middle of last season, and is poised for a breakout season if he can remain healthy.

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson explained what makes Dobbins stand out in Baltimore’s offensive effort.

“He means a lot to our offense, man,” Jackson said of his running back on Saturday during an appearance on the NFL Network. “He’s one of the guys that sparks the offense, gets us going. When we’re having a slow start sometimes, he gets the ball and makes magic happen. I just can’t wait for him to get back out there on the field with us.”

Dobbins showed a bit of his wizardry having rushed for 397 yards on 7.0 yards per carry during his final four games of last season. He’s going to have to prove his versatility to his coaching staff if he wants to be re-signed to a long-term deal — and he’s well on his way as a pass catcher, showing signs of an improved receiving game hauling in four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown during the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Being allowed to thrive in new offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s offense — which relies on receiving backs — will be pivotal to evaluating Dobbins’ worth when it’s time for contract negotiations heading into next offseason.

Still, Dobbins’ health remains a bigger concern. After playing 15 games and rushing for over 800 yards as a rookie in 2020, the Ohio State Buckeyes product ended up missing the entire 2021 season with an injury and was only able to participate in eight games last season. Ultimately, Dobbins enters his contract year having put up 226 carries for 1,325 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns in 23 games over a three year span.

When he’s healthy, Dobbins has the potential to be as productive as any back in the AFC North — which is chock full of superstar backs, including the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Najee Harris, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Mixon and the Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb.

Barring any more unforeseen setbacks, Dobbins will be available for the Ravens for Baltimore’s season opener on Sept. 10 against CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans at home. Baltimore has jumped out as a heavy 9.5-point favorite over Houston, per Vegas Insider.