Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins denies rumors, promises to be ready for Week 1

It was reported on Monday that Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins was not expected to be ready for Week 1. At the very least, his status was very much in doubt for the Ravens’ season opener.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport insisted that he was confident in his information, but Dobbins took to Twitter soon after to dispute those rumors.

Dobbins replied back to Rapoport insisting that he is “damn sure going to be ready for Week 1” and that he might not even go on the PUP list to start training camp.

Rapoport took the clap back in stride but did double-down on his initial report. Regardless, Dobbins seems determined to be ready in time for the Ravens’ Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets.

If we’re taking his word on it, he’ll be ready.

Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins vowed to be ready for Week 1

Dobbins suffered a serious knee injury last season in the Ravens’ final preseason game. While the exact details of his injury have never been revealed, Rapoport implied that not only did Dobbins tear his ACL, but that he also tore his meniscus and damaged his LCL.

That’s a large part of the reason why his road to recovery has been more challenging than someone like Gus Edwards who also tore his ACL last year. Dobbins’ injury was a complex one.

The Ravens have made it clear that they have no plans to rush any of their returning stars back from injury. They’re hoping to avoid a similar situation to what happened with Ronnie Staley last year.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Dobbins land on the PUP list to start training camp and even miss the first few weeks of the season. And in reality, that might just be the smartest decision.

The Ravens bolstered their running back depth this offseason for this very reason. Aside from a returning Edwards and even Justice Hill, the Ravens also have veteran Mike Davis and rookie Tyler Badie.

They have the depth to survive the absence of Dobbins for a few weeks.

Of course, if J.K. Dobbins has it his way, he’ll be on the field with his teammates ready to go come September. Whether that’s the case or not remains to be seen.