Chargers RB JK Dobbins’ injury return schedule updates

The Los Angeles Chargers survived without starting running back JK Dobbins against the Denver Broncos in Week 16 while Greg Roman unlocked a key part of the playoff offense.

Still, the sooner Dobbins gets back, the better.

With Dobbins potentially close to returning from the Chargers’ injured reserve, here’s an updated look at the star running back and depth chart.

JK Dobbins injury update

• Dobbins reportedly suffered a knee sprain during the Week 12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
• The Chargers placed Dobbins on injured reserve before Week 13, forcing him to miss at least four games. That means the earliest he can return is Week 17 against the New England Patriots.

Chargers RB depth chart

• Gus Edwards
• Kimani Vidal
• Hassan Haskins

In the Week 16 win over Denver, Edwards converted 14 carries into 68 yards and two scores. Rookie Vidal carried the ball five times, while Hassan Haskins had the massive 34-yard touchdown reception after a quick throw from Justin Herbert at the line.

What it means

The Chargers have not commented on whether Dobbins is actually ready to return after the four-game window. You could “activate” him, but you could also keep him away from games. He had a fantastic career resurgence with 766 yards and eight scores while averaging 4.8 per carry. Considering the Chargers are facing two teams with a total of five wins at the end of the season, perhaps the Chargers will take it slow and let Dobbins loose in the playoffs.

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