The Los Angeles Chargers are about to get their top running back. J.K. Dobbins has been activated off injured reserve and is “poised to play” on Saturday against the New England Patriots, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.
J.K. Dobbins Set To Return For Chargers
The Chargers are activating RB JK Dobbins from IR, expected to play Saturday vs. Patriots. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/8aRR0oS4Zc
— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2024
Dobbins sprained his knee in Week 12’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, his former team. Dobbins was placed on IR soon after the game.
The Chargers opened the practice window for Dobbins on Monday. The 26-year-old was limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday before fully participating in Thursday’s practice.
Dobbins carries a designation of questionable for Saturday’s game.
Before the injury, Dobbins was in the midst of an excellent season, emerging as a candidate to win Comeback Player of the Year.
In his first season with the Chargers, Dobbins accumulated 766 rushing yards on a career-high 158 carries and a team-leading eight rushing touchdowns. Dobbins also has a career-best 28 catches for 134 yards.
In Dobbins’ absence, Gus Edwards has become the primary back. However, Edwards is out for Week 17 with an ankle injury, so Dobbins’ return is much needed.
Besides the Dobbins’ news, the Chargers also elevated safety Eddie Jackson and safety Kendall Williamson from the practice squad for Saturday’s game.
we’ve activated RB J.K. Dobbins from reserve/injured + other roster moves ahead of #LACvsNE
→ https://t.co/nOYLkfwFdt pic.twitter.com/IPLLq1Zg8T
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 27, 2024
Chargers Playoff Scenarios In Week 17
The #Chargers are activating RB J.K. Dobbins from IR and he’ll make his return Saturday against the #Patriots, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
One of the NFL’s most efficient backs, Dobbins is averaging 4.8 yards per carry this season. A big boost for L.A.’s stretch run. pic.twitter.com/VkyC1jEbnm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 27, 2024
The Chargers enter Week 17 with a 9-6 record. Los Angeles is currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff race and has a 94% chance to qualify for the postseason.
The Chargers can clinch a playoff berth in one of two ways. The simplest option is to beat the Patriots. Win on Saturday, and the Chargers qualify for the postseason in Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach.
The Chargers can also clinch a postseason berth with a Colts’ loss and a Dolphins’ loss.
Even if the Chargers lose on Saturday, they still would have an 84% chance of making the playoffs.
The Patriots (3-12) host the Chargers on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.
