Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is heading to injured reserve with a knee sprain.
J.K. Dobbins is heading to injured reserve with a knee sprain he suffered in week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens. He will miss a minimum of four games and is eligible to return week 17 against the New England Patriots.
The Los Angeles Chargers running back was enjoying success so far this season with 158 carries for 766 yards and eight touchdowns. Dobbins has made for a great story after suffering multiple season ending injuries to start his career but unfortunately has found himself on injured reserve yet again. Luckily for Dobbins, the knee sprain shouldn’t end his season and it appears the Chargers very well could end up playoff bound. Dobbins is currently RB20 in PPR despite missing this weekends game against the Atlanta Falcons.
It his absence look for Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal to both increase their snap shares. Against the Falcons, running backs only took 11 carries but Edwards led the way with six and Vidal with four. It’s very possible the Chargers will look to throw more without Dobbins on the field but the lack of running back involvement on Sunday is more a factor of the offense only running 46 plays. Look for both Edwards and Vidal to see more work moving forward as both should make solid flex plays for now.
Zach Schultz | @schu1tzy
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could...
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal only ...
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could...
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh gave an update to the undisclosed injury to running back Gus Edwards.
The 29 year old free agent signing from Baltimore was expected to take the reigns to start the season but after an undisclosed injury the job may be up for grabs. Edwards was seen working on the side with trainers during minicamp and was also not present for OTA’s leaving questions about his injury status.
Unfortunately, the only update from head coach Jim Harbaugh was that Edwards is “on a really good track” to be ready for training camp. The nature of the injury right now is unknown leaving it tough to project what to expect from Edwards moving forward. With fellow free agent signing J.K. Dobbins recovering from a 2023 week one achilles tear, the door may be open for sixth round rookie Kimani Vidal to snag the starting job.
Edwards and Dobbins both came to the Chargers from the Ravens and they both have experience with offensive coordinator Greg Roman. This probably helps both their causes a little as far as missing time goes but this will still be a situation to monitor in training camp. It’s very possible the Chargers open camp with Vidal as the only back able to take full participation giving him the leg up on his competition.
Troy RB Kimani Vidal finished athletic testing at the NFL Combine
A small-school running back, Kimani Vidal impressed at the NFL Combine as one of the most athletic running backs in attendance. Vidal is the reigning Sun Belt offensive player of the year as well and accumulated over 1600 rushing yards in his final season. With a strong pass catching profile as well, Vidal could take on a three-down role at the NFL level.
Vidal is another day three prospect in a deep class but could have a lot of upside in the right landing spot. However, Vidal is part of a large tier of fairly talented running backs that’s value will ultimately depend on draft capital and team fit. Look for him in the third round of fantasy drafts as a potential sleeper.
