The Chargers have signed the former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins in Los Angeles' ... [+]
A Michigan man sought help from an Ohio State player and my how times have changed.
Jim Harbaugh, the new Chargers’ coach via Ann Arbor, Mich., is turning to J.K. Dobbins, a former Buckeyes standout, to aid Los Angeles’ running game.
The Chargers signed Dobbins, a free-agent running back, to a one-year deal on Thursday as they continue to rebuild their backfield.
Terms weren’t disclosed but it’s believe to be worth an estimated $2 million.
Dobbins, who earned nearly $6 million in his four years with the Baltimore Ravens, will team with Gus Edwards, yet another ball-carrier with ties to the Ravens, to bolster the Chargers on the ground.
That tandem will receive the majority of opportunities after L.A. allowed running back Austin Ekeler to flee as a free agent.
Harbaugh is well-aware of Dobbins, after he led Ohio State to three-straight Big 10 titles while Harbaugh was coaching at Michigan.
In Dobbins’ last game for the Buckeyes he rushed for four touchdowns and 211 yards to defeat Harbaugh’s Wolverines.
Greg Roman, the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, is also familiar with Dobbins as they both were with the Ravens.
Dobbins, 25, has had success in the NFL, but also his share of injuries.
His 5.8-yard average per carry is tops in the league since his arrival as a second-round pick in 2020. Dobbins has gained over 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on 234 career carries.
But the 5-foot-10, 215-pound Dobbins’ impressive numbers are compromised by his health.
Dobbins missed the majority of last season with a torn Achilles tendon. His 2021 and ‘22 campaigns were derailed by knee issues.
With L.A., Dobbins gets a chance to prove here’s fit while serving in a complementary role and possibly parlaying that into a long-term deal.
