The Los Angeles Chargers or the Los Angeles Rams? This has to be the question fans in Southern California are asking. Once the 2024 NFL Draft comes to a conclusion, it could also be the Baltimore Wolverines of Southern California.
Either way, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz keep on going back to the Ravens’ well.
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Los Angeles has signed injury-plagued Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins.
Dobbins joins former Ravens teammate Gus Edwards in heading Los Angeles’ backfield leading up to next week’s NFL Draft. He joins other former Ravens players such as tight end Hayden Hurst and full back Ben Mason in making their way to Southern California this offseason.
Related: Revealing Jim Harbaugh’s NFL Draft Strategy For The Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins Provides Los Angeles Chargers High Upside At A Low Cost
All joking aside, this is a good move for the Chargers. Not only does Dobbins know new offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s offense from (you guessed it, the Ravens), but the former Ohio State star has shown promise when he’s actually suited up.
Dobbins, 25, is averaging a robust 5.8 yards per carry since Baltimore made him a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
At issue here is an inability to stay healthy. Dobbins’ injury resume is extensive.
- 2021: Suffered torn ACL in the preseason, missed the entire season.
- 2022: Suffered another knee injury in Week 6, missed nine games.
- 2023: Tore his Achilles in Week 1, missed the final 16 games.
All said, Dobbins has played in 24 of a possible 50 games since joining the NFL (48%).
Dobbins was cleared by medical officials earlier in the offseason, leading to him taking multiple visits before ultimately signing with the Chargers.
In no way does this move mean that Los Angeles will not target a running back at some point in next week’s NFL Draft. It simply can’t rely on Dobbins to stay healthy.
Even then, adding more depth had to be in the cards with the departure of Austin Ekeler to the Washington Commanders in NFL free agency.