The Chargers are pushing for a playoff spot, and the team may be getting a big name back in the backfield for its Week 17 contest against the Patriots.
J.K. Dobbins could potentially be making his return for Los Angeles on Saturday. The running back has missed the last four games due to a knee injury suffered in Week 12.
Jim Harbaugh’s crew currently sits at 9-6 on the season and is in the second wild-card spot in the AFC. A win over New England on Saturday would secure their spot in the postseason.
Dobbins is in his first year with the Chargers. The 26-year-old is no stranger to missing time, as injuries have plagued his career so far in the NFL. He was well on his way to having a career year before the knee injury sidelined him in late November.
Will Dobbins play in Week 17? Here is the latest on his status ahead of Saturday’s game.
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Is J.K. Dobbins playing this week?
Amazon Prime’s Albert Breer reported after the “Thursday Night Football” game that Dobbins is “expected” to play on Saturday. That’s good news for a Chargers team that is going to be without fellow running back Gus Edwards.
From TNF Nightcap—A few things to get you ready for Saturday AND Sunday. pic.twitter.com/fC3BcdG8yd
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 27, 2024
Dobbins is officially listed as questionable to return in Week 17 on Los Angeles’ injury report. The Chargers opened up his 21-day practice window on Monday, which allows him to potentially be activated ahead of the game against the Patriots on Saturday.
The running back has missed the last four games due to a knee sprain suffered during the Week 12 loss to the Ravens. He was placed on injured reserve as a result, and was forced to miss at least four games.
The game against the Patriots is the earliest that Dobbins can return to action. Since his 21-day period just opened up this week, Los Angeles does not have to rush him back, but considering their playoff hopes and the absence of Edwards, the offense can use Dobbins’ services, if he’s healthy.
WEEK 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Chargers RB depth chart
| Rank | Name |
| No. 1 | J.K. Dobbins (IR) |
| No. 2 | Gus Edwards (O) |
| No. 3 | Kimani Vidal |
| No. 4 | Hassan Haskins |
As of now, Dobbins remains on injured reserve. While he is expected to play, he is not yet active on the roster.
If Dobbins in fact plays, he immediately steps into his starting role. He was RB1 when he was healthy, and considering Edwards is out for Week 17, Dobbins once again will be the focal point out of the back field.
However, if Dobbins is not ready for a return, Kimani Vidal becomes the starting running back against the Patriots. The rookie has 181 rushing yards on 38 carries this season. Hassan Haskins would likely see carries as well.
MORE NFL WEEK 17:
J.K. Dobbins stats 2024
| Games | 11 |
| Attempts | 158 |
| Rushing yards | 766 |
| Touchdowns | 8 |
| Fumbles | 0 |
WEEK 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL ROSTER MANAGEMENT
Lessons Learned | Sleepers | Busts | Usage Report | Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em | Weather
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