The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off their first loss in over a month. This loss was given to them by the Super Bowl-caliber Baltimore Ravens. A game touted as the “Harbowl” with plenty of revenge storylines bleeding through. Guys like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Bradley Bozeman and more were all ready to come out on top. That did not happen.
This loss can be summed up very simply. The Ravens were able to run the football, and the Chargers could not. The Ravens obviously boast the best running back and rushing quarterback in the league, so the task to stop that duo is extremely difficult.
As for the Chargers not being able to run against the Ravens, is massively due to the loss of Dobbins. The former Ravens rusher was having the best season of his career behind a poor interior offensive line, ready to compete for Comeback Player of the Year.
Unfortunately, in his revenge game, a game where he could have easily gone over 100 rushing yards, he was injured early.
J.K. Dobbins – Escaping Major Injury
As of this morning (Wednesday, November 27), Dobbins was diagnosed with a knee sprain, also known as an MCL sprain. This injury varies in its recovery time, as it depends on the severity.
During the game, Dobbins was seen trying to warm up and get back on the field. That was quickly shut down by the training staff. Dobbins is already ruled out of the Chargers next game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dobbins still having plenty of adrenaline is a likely reason why he made an effort to come back out, even if he was injured. With him being shut down already for next week, it’s safe to say this injury is more than likely a grade 2-3 level of sprain.
This injury, according to a simple Google search, can range from a few weeks to a few months. A month seems to be about the average time frame for the healing process.
So, for the next few weeks, who is next in line to step in for Dobbins?
Who’s Next Up in the Rotation?
Gus Edwards – Ol’ Reliable
The obvious option for who is next up to replace Dobbins is the guy whose claim to fame has been stepping up for Dobbins for years with their time with the Ravens. Gus Edwards, also known as, “The Gus Bus.”
Edwards has been the lead back or the 1B in all of his years with the Ravens. Now signed with the Chargers, he looked to be possibly the 1B to Dobbins, but he has battled through injuries and his lack of efficiency has disallowed him from playing time.
Back from injury, Edwards’ performance has been inconsistent but flashes against the Tennessee Titans have shown he has the ability to become a lead back for an offense. If he can get back to that Edwards, not much of a beat will be missed.
Kimani Vidal – Flashy Rookie
The next option for replacing Dobbins is rookie sixth-round selection, Kimani Vidal. Coming out of Troy, Vidal was electric with the ball in his hands. Although he is undersized, he took a full-time workload at the collegiate level, enough so for the Chargers to select him.
The 2024 season for Vidal has been one of keeping the bench warm. He has been a healthy scratch for the majority of the season, losing snaps to Hassan Haskins due to Haskins’ special teams expertise.
However, when Vidal sees the field, it has been very impressive. With a highlight of a wheel route going to the house for a 38-yard touchdown, combined with some flashes in the run game, Vidal has proven to be an intriguing, young option.
In a season where you are trying to make a post-season run, relying upon young guys isn’t usually the best course of action. Nonetheless, seeing what Vidal has to offer during Dobbins’ injury could be a smart choice, that can compound into further decisions this offseason.
Hassan Haskins – A Harbaugh Favorite
The last option on the list is Haskins, a player who hasn’t made a name for himself on offense. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Haskins had a two-year stint with Tennessee.
His first year was ineffective as a rusher with only 93 yards on the ground and 57 through the air. However, his 86.7 special teams PFF grade gave him a potent role for the Titans. That grade ranked 16th out of 221 players with at least 50% of a team’s special teams snaps.
Unfortunately, in Haskins’ second year with the team, he was placed on injured reserve and later waived from the team. He did not play at all in 2023.
With Jim Harbaugh coaching Haskins at Michigan, it was an obvious pickup. The move bolstered the running back room with a familiar player.
Haskins has an immense frame at 6’2 230, showed ability on special teams and is still very young at 25 (which he just turned November 26!).
He brought these attributes to the Chargers in 2024. He punched in his first career touchdown and was used in short-yardage situations when the aforementioned Edwards was hurt. Now with an injury to Dobbins, seeing Haskins on the field more is very likely.
Main Photo Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images
