SPORTS: J.K. Dobbins signs with the Chargers, following in the footsteps of former Ravens players who have relocated to Los Angeles
18 April 2024, 11:33 AM PDT, AP
The Chargers signed running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract on Thursday, bringing another former Baltimore Raven to Los Angeles.
General manager Joe Hortiz, who joined the Chargers in February following a lengthy history in Baltimore, including the last ten years as director of college scouting, has signed four former Ravens players, including Dobbins.
Over the last four seasons, Dobbins has led the league in rushing yards per carry (5.6) among players with at least 200 rushes. Due to injuries, he has only appeared in nine games during the previous three seasons.
He had a left knee injury in the preseason finale, which kept him out of action in 2021. After rupturing his Achilles tendon in the second half of the season’s first game against Houston, Dobbins was limited to just one game of action last year.
Running back Gus Edwards, who has been Dobbins’ colleague in the Ravens’ backfield for the previous four seasons, will be rejoined. Dobbins spent his first three years in the NFL with Baltimore, together with offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
Since taking over as Chargers coach in January, Jim Harbaugh has placed a strong emphasis on making significant progress in the run game and becoming more aggressive. Los Angeles has only run it on 37.1% of its offensive plays over the last three seasons, which is tied for second-lowest percentage in the league.
Baltimore led the league with 225 carries of at least 10 yards during that same period.
The other former Ravens to join the Bolts are center Bradley Bozeman and tight end Hayden Hurst.
