The market for running backs improved during the 2024 free agency, with some experienced players receiving substantial contracts. Previously, the Baltimore Ravens RB running back J.K. Dobbins is still available for signing, and there's news that might change teams' perspectives. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, free-agent RB J.K. Dobbins has been given the go-ahead to participate in football activities. Dr. Neal ElAttrache mentioned in a letter to specific teams that Dobbins looks “outstanding” after recovering from a torn Achilles.
Dobbins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 season against the Houston Texans
after a strong start, with 22 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 catches before the injury. Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek stated, “Injuries have been a worry for Dobbins, who missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee injury and played only eight games in 2022.”. The RB He posted a video of himself on February 29 exercising, captioned with “5 1/2 months out.” Pelissero mentioned, “Dobbins, who has an average of 5.8 yards per carry in his career, is expected to make visits soon.” He will aim to restore his value after facing injuries in the last three seasons and might take on a supporting role to demonstrate that he is still a dynamic RB.
J.K. Dobbins is seeking to revive his career. Dobbins was picked by the Ravens in the Ohio State second round of the 2020 NFL draft
Dobbins with high expectations for the Ohio State product.Stated by Polacek, “The 2020 second-round draft pick has demonstrated explosiveness when healthy, with 13 total touchdowns in 24 games and an average of 5.8 yards per carry.”
As a rookie, he had a strong start by running for 805 yards and 9 touchdowns, trailing only QB
Lamar Jackson
in rushing yards for the and seemed to be a key player for Baltimore's future.
According to Polacek, “Health problems have significantly hindered his career since then.” Dobbins has played in just nine games over the last three seasons.
Dobbins The big question now is who is willing to take a risk on the injury-prone running back. Polacek mentioned, “Although it’s yet to be seen how much attention he will attract as a free agent considering his previous injuries, Dobbins is only 25 years old and could be a low-risk addition.” At this point, it appears unlikely that a reunion between Baltimore and Dobbins will occur. The Ravens have brought in RB Derrick Henry as their top addition in free agency, and he will be the main running back for the team in 2024. 2020 Ravens.
According to Polacek Gus Edwards and Mark Ingram , “Henry is among the finest running backs of his generation and is anticipated to be the primary runner for his new team after leading the league in rushing attempts in four of the last five seasons.”
The Ravens made a substantial investment in Henry, so giving another contract to a running back would not be wise.
Additionally, the Ravens still have high hopes for second-year RB
Keaton Mitchell
as he recovers from his own significant injury. Mitchell displayed promise and explosiveness in the latter part of the season before tearing his ACL. Justice Hill has also stayed on the roster and has proven to be a dependable backup during his time with Baltimore.
Polacek concluded by saying, “Any team that signs Dobbins might get a player with low risk but high potential, who seems to have recovered well from his latest setback.”Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins was said to look “Excellent” as he was cleared from his Achilles injury.
The Ravens invested heavily in Henry, so handing out another contract to a running back would be ill-advised.
The Ravens also still have high hopes for second-year RB Keaton Mitchell as he recovers from his own significant injury. Mitchell showed explosiveness and promise in the second half of the season prior to tearing his ACL late in the season.
Veteran Justice Hill is also still on the roster and has been a reliable backup in his time with Baltimore.
Polacek ended by writing, “Whichever team signs Dobbins could be getting a low-risk, high-reward playmaker who has apparently recovered nicely from his most recent setback.”
