The Baltimore Ravens made it clear this offseason that they weren’t planning to rush back J.K. Dobbins or any of their injured stars, and that certainly appears to be the case as we approach training camp.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Dobbins was “no sure thing” for Week 1 with the graphic behind him blatantly stating that he was “not expected to be ready for Week 1.”
Rapoport went on to suggest that Dobbins could miss the first few weeks of the season with the Ravens taking every precaution with their young running back.
It should be noted that Dobbins’ injury was a bit more severe than his position-mate, Gus Edwards. Not only did Dobbins tear his ACL, but he also tore his meniscus and damaged his LCL.
Rapoport insisted that Dobbins hadn’t suffered any setbacks and that his rehab was going well. It’s just that his injury was serious and the Ravens are taking no chances with his recovery.
From NFL Now: #Ravens RB JK Dobbins is no sure thing for Week 1. He hasn’t had any setbacks. But his knee injury was a serious one, and Baltimore has no incentive to rush him back. They protected themselves with veteran Mike Davis, regardless. pic.twitter.com/j5xi6dYabU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 18, 2022
The Ravens plan to play it safe with J.K. Dobbins
A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Dobbins burst onto the scene as a rookie finishing with 805 yards and nine touchdowns on an incredibly efficient 6.0 yards per carry that led all NFL running backs.
Many believed that Dobbins was primed for a breakout 2021 season with some even predicting that he could emerge as one of the league’s best running backs. Unfortunately, he never got that chance.
Dobbins suffered a serious knee injury in the team’s final preseason game and would go on to miss his entire sophomore NFL season. Combined with injuries to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, the Ravens’ running game suffered immensely last year.
That’s why the Ravens made sure to add as much depth as possible this offseason. Aside from a returning Dobbins, Edwards, and even Hill, the ravens went out and signed veteran Mike Davis as well as added rookie Tyler Badie in the draft.
They were well prepared for a scenario where either Dobbins or Edwards (or both) would be unavailable to start the season. That’s partially why the Ravens are prepared to play it safe with Dobbins.
The last thing they want is to rush Dobbins back (ala Ronnie Stanley) and risk further damage to his knee and career.
The Ravens are excited for the eventual return of J.K. Dobbins, but they’re understandably going to be cautious with him moving forward.
*Update: J.K. Dobbins has since responded to Rapoport’s tweet with a promise that he will be ready for Week 1*