The new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jim Harbaugh, has enlisted the help of former Ohio State standout J.K. Dobbins to boost the team’s running game. Dobbins, a free-agent running back, signed a one-year deal with the Chargers on Thursday, rumored to be worth around $2 million. He will be joining forces with Gus Edwards, another former Baltimore Ravens player, to strengthen the Chargers’ ground attack after the departure of Austin Ekeler.
Harbaugh and Dobbins have a history, with the running back leading Ohio State to three Big 10 titles while Harbaugh was coaching at Michigan. In their last meeting, Dobbins rushed for four touchdowns and over 200 yards to defeat Harbaugh’s Wolverines. Greg Roman, the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, is also familiar with Dobbins from their time together with the Ravens. Dobbins, 25, has had success in the NFL but has also been plagued by injuries, most notably a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for most of last season.
Despite his injury setbacks, Dobbins has an impressive average of 5.8 yards per carry since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2020. He has amassed over 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on 234 career carries. With the Chargers, Dobbins will have the opportunity to prove his fitness, serve in a complementary role, and potentially earn a long-term deal with the team. The running back tandem of Dobbins and Edwards will be crucial to the Chargers’ efforts to strengthen their ground game and compete effectively in the upcoming season.
The signing of Dobbins comes as part of the Chargers’ ongoing efforts to rebuild their backfield and improve their overall offensive performance. Harbaugh’s decision to bring in Dobbins reflects his confidence in the running back’s abilities and potential to make a significant impact on the team. With Roman’s experience in working with Dobbins during their time with the Ravens, the Chargers are looking to maximize the talented running back’s capabilities and create a formidable rushing attack.
As Dobbins prepares to join his new team and begin the next chapter of his NFL career with the Chargers, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the new environment and overcomes his injury challenges. The partnership between Harbaugh, Dobbins, and Roman is expected to be a key factor in the Chargers’ success in the upcoming season, as they aim to improve their running game and make a strong statement in the competitive AFC West division. Stay tuned for updates on Dobbins’ progress and impact with the Chargers as the season unfolds.
