Running back J.K. Dobbins is set to make his return for the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend after being activated off injured reserve. Dobbins had been sidelined for four games due to a knee injury sustained during the Chargers' 30-23 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens on November 25. With a current record of 9-6, the Chargers are on the verge of clinching their second AFC playoff spot in three seasons, contingent on their performance against the New England Patriots on Saturday.
Prior to his injury, Dobbins was having a standout season, ranking fourth in the AFC with 766 rushing yards and boasting an impressive average of 4.8 yards per carry, which places him seventh among NFL running backs with a minimum of 150 carries. His comeback is particularly noteworthy as he is a contender for the AP Comeback Player of the Year award, following a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him during the previous season's opener.
Dobbins' return is expected to significantly enhance a Chargers' running game that has struggled in his absence. Over the last four games without him, the team has averaged just 74.8 rushing yards per game, a stark decline from the 118.1 rushing yards they averaged prior to his injury. Additionally, the Chargers have elevated safeties Eddie Jackson and Kendall Williamson from the practice squad for the upcoming game against the Patriots.
