The Los Angeles Chargers have chosen not to rush J.K. Dobbins back onto the field.
Already ruled out for Week 13 with a knee injury, Dobbins has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four games. He will not be eligible to come back until Week 17 when they face the New England Patriots. Dobbins will be out for the next four games, which includes these opponents:
Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons
Week 14 at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 16 vs. Denver Broncos
Following that Broncos game, which takes place on Thursday Night Football, the Chargers would have an extra 10 days to get Dobbins ready for the Patriots game.
The #Chargers are placing RB J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve because of the MCL sprain he suffered Monday night, sources say.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 30, 2024
The Comeback Player of the Year candidate is still only 25 and they want to be cautious. Four weeks on IR will get Dobbins healed up for the stretch run. pic.twitter.com/25sg4INhkI
In his absence, the Chargers will turn to Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal to hold things down. Hassan Haskins will also be in the mix. The Chargers can also call upon Jaret Patterson, who is on the practice squad if need be.
Chargers thinking bigger picture with J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins is having a great season for the Chargers and is in the running for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Being placed on injured reserve will likely take him out of consideration for the award, but the Chargers don't want to risk putting him out there until he is 100 percent healthy.
The Chargers have been able to throw the ball quite well in recent weeks and feel the duo of Edwards and Vidal can keep them afloat and still in the playoff race, ready for Dobbins to come back at full speed.
Chargers fans have to hope that this is a move that signals chess and not checkers.
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