Los Angeles Chargers running back JK Dobbins is confident he will be “one of the best in the league” if he can stay healthy.
Dobbins joined LA from the Baltimore Ravens over the offseason and is expected to form a key part of the offense under new coach Jim Harbaugh.
The 25-year-old can back up his claim with numbers, albeit it’s a small sample size due to injuries that have derailed his career.
Dobbins was drafted by the Ravens in 2020 but managed just 24 games across four seasons. When he has played, he has impressed – his average of 5.8 yards per carry is the highest of any back since 2020 with a minimum of 200 attempts.
He said: “I do think if I get the volume, I’ll be one of the best in the league. I’ve shown that. Do you know how many yards I averaged per carry?
“I don’t know how many backs got that.”
j.k. + herbo are locked in 🤞 pic.twitter.com/iW1cPLr0b3
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 25, 2024
Even getting to Week Two would feel like an achievement for Dobbins. He did not manage it last season, rupturing his Achilles in Week One while in 2021 he missed the entire year after tearing his ACL, LCL, meniscus and hamstring in a brutal injury sustained against the Washington Commanders in pre-season.
Dobbins has been a full participant so far in training camp and is predicting big things in 2024.
“I do think that the storm is over,” he said. “Now I’m on a new journey, a healthy journey this year. You guys will see – it’ll be special.”
Friendly with Herbert
Dobbins will be working alongside star quarterback Justin Herbert and their early chemistry appears promising.
Dobbins said: “That guy is a dude. I love Justin, I love his game, I love him as a person. We’re becoming good friends on and off the field. We play Call of Duty together.
“He’s a great guy and I can see that he wants to win too. And that’s the reason I came here, to help that guy win.”
