Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Wednesday that running back J.K. Dobbins is “working through something with his knee” and is expected to “miss some time.” Dobbins was absent from practice as the team began preparations for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. The injury occurred late in the first half of Monday night’s matchup against the Ravens, where Dobbins had logged nine touches for 69 yards (averaging 7.6 yards per touch) before leaving the game. He did not return.
Teammates expressed sympathy for Dobbins, who has faced multiple injuries during his career. Quarterback Justin Herbert remarked, “We feel horrible for him. He’s such a tough teammate, and given how hard he’s fought through injuries, we know he’ll come back better than ever.” Running back Hassan Haskins added, “It’s definitely a bummer. He’s been having a great year, and I know how much he’s been through. He’ll bounce back for sure.”
Dobbins, who has played in all 11 games this season, was on track for a career year. He leads the Chargers in rushing attempts (158), yards (766), touchdowns (eight), and first-down runs (39). He is also fewer than 40 yards away from setting a personal best and is poised for his first 1,000-yard season. If Dobbins misses significant time, the Chargers will rely on Gus Edwards, Haskins, and rookie Kimani Vidal to fill the void.
“I like the group we have,” Harbaugh said. “Gus is heating up, and it’s great to see him back. Hassan has been playing outstanding football, particularly on special teams and in pass protection. And Kimani has been exciting to watch.”
Herbert currently ranks second on the team in rushing yards (211), followed by Edwards with 206, who recently returned from Injured Reserve. Haskins played a season-high 31 snaps on Monday, primarily in pass protection, and emphasized his readiness to step up. “Whatever the team needs, I’m going to give it my best,” he said. Vidal, meanwhile, made an impression with a 38-yard touchdown catch on his first NFL touch in Week 6 against Denver.
The Chargers, ranked 13th in rushing yards per game (118.1) and 15th in rushing EPA per play (-0.073), will need a collective effort to compensate for Dobbins’ absence. “It’s on us to step up while he’s out,” Herbert said. “We know how much he cares about this team, and we’ll work hard to make him proud.”