Another J.K. Dobbins comeback is underway.
Dobbins was activated off injured reserve and is poised to play in the Los Angeles Chargers' pivotal Saturday tilt against the host New England Patriots, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Friday, per sources. The team later announced Dobbins' return.
Placed on IR after spraining his knee in a loss to his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, on Nov. 25, Dobbins had his practice window opened Monday, was limited in practice Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Thursday practiced fully ahead of receiving a questionable designation.
Having Dobbins, the team's leading rusher with 766 yards, back is a major boon for the Bolts on its own, but he's badly needed with running mate Gus Edwards ruled out for Saturday with an ankle injury.
Since Week 12 when Dobbins was injured, the Chargers have averaged a miniscule 76.4 rushing yards per contest, 31st in the NFL.
Los Angeles is hoping Dobbins will hit the ground running, as he brings with him a team-leading 766 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He could surpass his career bests in both categories as soon as Saturday. As a rookie in 2020, he had 805 yards and nine scores.
Since that oh-so-promising rookie campaign, Dobbins' potential has largely gone unfulfilled due to a horrendous string of injuries.
Dobbins spent four years with the Ravens, playing in only 24 games. He missed all of the 2021 campaign after he blew out his knee. In 2022, Dobbins was limited to eight games with a different knee injury and in 2023 he tore his Achilles in Week 1.
In Los Angeles, he reunited with former offensive coordinator Greg Roman and was a candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year in the early going of this season.
Now, another comeback is upon Dobbins, who will look to help the Chargers to a win Saturday that would clinch a playoff berth.
