Ravens: 5 potential external replacements for J.K. Dobbins

4. The Ravens could target David Johnson to replace J.K. Dobbins

When Dobbins went down, many immediately thought of the idea to turn to the Houston Texans and look to bring Mark Ingram back. However, it’s hard to see that being a realistic option.

Ingram is expected to split time with Phillip Lindsay as one of Houston’s primary running backs meaning that the Ravens might have to give up decent draft capital to make a trade work.

That probably wouldn’t be worth it, especially given that there’s another experienced running back who will likely come much cheaper.

David Johnson is still hanging around in Houston, but given his usage this summer, he seems likely to take a backseat role to Ingram and Lindsay. There’s even Rex Burkhead who figures to see many of the team’s third-down reps.

Johnson doesn’t have a defined role, and even though his guaranteed contract prevents him from being outright released, the Ravens could come calling with a late-round draft pick.

The former All-Pro quietly had a really solid season last year averaging 4.7 yards per carry behind a porous Texans offensive line.

Health has been a concern with Johnson as he’s missed time in all but one of the last four seasons. But a healthy David Johnson is still a good player, and he might be worth, say, a sixth-round pick.

Would Houston make that deal? It’s very possible, especially given Johnson’s current role on the team.

This is certainly an option worth exploring if Dobbins is forced to miss considerable time.