J.K. Dobbins injury update: Ravens RB out for the year with torn ACL

The Baltimore Ravens will officially be without standout running back J.K. Dobbins for the 2021 season as it was confirmed on Sunday that he suffered a torn ACL.

After hours of speculation, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Dobbins had torn his ACL and would be out for the season.

Dobbins exited Saturday’s preseason game with an apparent knee injury after hauling in a screen pass from Lamar Jackson on the team’s first offensive possession.

It would be the only drive the starters would play, but it would prove costly. Dobbins is now out for the season and the Ravens are left scrambling in search of a replacement.

The Ravens will be without J.K. Dobbins for the 2021 season

The Ravens had big plans for Dobbins this year who was expected to take on a larger role following a promising rookie season.

The 2020 second-round pick led all NFL running backs with a highly efficient 6.0 yards per carry as one of the featured parts of the Ravens’ offense down the stretch.

And in 2021, the Ravens hoped to see his role expand with the team getting him more involved in the passing game. Many were dubbing him a potential breakout candidate this season, but unfortunately, he won’t get the chance to fulfill that prediction.

The most obvious candidate to step up in Dobbins’ absence is Gus Edwards who was already expected to play an important role once again in Baltimore’s offense.

Edwards has been one of the NFL’s most efficient runners since entering the league as an undrafted rookie in 2018. Now, he might get the opportunity to receive the lion’s share of touches in the Ravens’ backfield.

The team could also turn to former undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams or former fourth-round pick Justice Hill who were each fighting for a roster spot behind Dobbins and Edwards.

Now, Williams, who put together a strong summer, could be called upon to see meaningful in-game snaps.

The Ravens could also consider an external option such as Todd Gurley, who visited with the team in the offseason. The Baltimore native would add much-needed experience and depth to the backfield.

There is no replacing J.K. Dobbins, however. The organization will simply work to mitigate his loss.