J.K. Dobbins' comeback season for the LA Chargers was one of the best stories of the 2024 NFL season prior to his knee injury. Dobbins suffered the injury against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, and has missed four games after being placed on Injured Reserve.
Thankfully, Dobbins' injury was not too extreme as his return appears imminent. The Chargers officially opened Dobbins' 21-day practice window to return on Monday and with how the team has operated, that likely means he will return on Saturday against the New England Patriots.
Nothing is concrete yet but the feedback about Dobbins during practice this week has been through the roof. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is particularly pleased with how Dobbins looks, which only plays into the theory that he will return Saturday.
Chargers OC Greg Roman on how RB J.K. Dobbins looked in practice yesterday: “I thought he looked really good. Looked really fresh. Thought he had some real spring in his step.”
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 24, 2024
“I thought it was a good day for him, hopefully we can have one today.” pic.twitter.com/Lvtf5Mv7Ew
Latest J.K. Dobbins updates are bad news for the Patriots
The Chargers need to win one of the team's last two games to clinch a trip to the NFL Playoffs and Dobbins may help the team take care of business in Week 17 against the New England Patriots.
Los Angeles is expected to win as a road favorite but Dobbins' return only increases those chances. The Patriots may have a 3-12 record but they are a dangerous team with Drake Maye under center. The one way to make sure nothing wonky happens is to take a lead and rely on the run game.
That is much easier with Dobbins in the fold.
The Chargers have played much better this season when the run game has been working. Gus Edwards finally broke through for a big day last week against the Denver Broncos but even then, there were a lot of failed run attempts that eventually led to the breakout run in the fourth quarter that essentially clinched the game.
It is not as difficult to get the run game going with Dobbins, as evident by his numbers before the injury. With Dobbins back in the fold, the Chargers' offense will be at full strength and as talented as Maye is, it is hard to see the Patriots keeping up with the Bolts if that is the case.
The one true question is how the Chargers balance Dobbins' workload. He may be looking sharp and playing well but the Bolts have to keep the big picture in mind with the NFL Playoffs. But based on Roman's comments, fans can expect a dynamic Dobbins if and when he is on the field on Saturday.