The LA Chargers need to win just one more game to clinch a spot in the NFL Playoffs and look to get it done sooner rather than later in Week 17 against the New England Patriots. Week 17 is a huge week not just for teams looking for a playoff spot, but for fantasy football players as well.
Unless you are in a league with an absurd two-week championship where a pointless Week 18 will decide the entire season like myself, Week 17 is for all the marbles. Two players are left standing looking to become fantasy champions and Chargers' running back J.K. Dobbins may be the decider in many of these leagues.
Dobbins has been on IR for several weeks now after having one of the most impactful fantasy seasons prior to his injury. The Chargers opened his 21-day practice window on Monday, sparking optimism for his Week 17 availability.
If you are one of the many people who are curious about Dobbins' status for fantasy football reasons, or more simply, are a concerned Chargers fan looking for information, we have your back.
Latest J.K. Dobbins update for Chargers-Patriots
UPDATE: J.K. Dobbins is playing today for the Chargers and is officially active.
Dobbins was officially listed as questionable in the Chargers' final injury report of the week but that might be underselling it. While nothing is yet concrete, Dobbins was activated from IR on Saturday and according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, this is paving the way for him to play against the Patriots.
This essentially confirms what many Chargers fans thought would happen. Almost every time the Chargers opened a player's 21-day return window they would return to action the ensuing week. Dobbins appears to be no different.
It would take a drastic last-minute setback for Dobbins not to play against the Patriots. More importantly (for fantasy reasons), Dobbins is also set to have a big role for the Chargers against the Pats.
Gus Edwards has been ruled out of the contest, leaving Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins as the only other running back options for the Bolts. Neither player has proven himself this season and shouldn't take up as much of the snap share as Edwards would have.
This does not appear to be a case where Dobbins will return on a limited snap count against the Pats. The Chargers need him to be active in this game to avoid an upset and with Edwards out, he should see plenty of game time.