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In November of 2017, then-Houston running back D'Onta Foreman tore his Achilles. He returned deep into the 2018 season to rush seven times for negative yardage. It wasn't until 2021 (he missed the 2019 season) that he was relevant for fantasy football. D'Onta Foreman is the torn Achilles success story for running backs.
J.K. Dobbins hopes to avoid being clumped in with the other notable running backs on the list: Cam Akers (who is probably second in the modern-era success category), Marlon Mack, Mikel Leshoure, Beanie Wells, Isaiah Crowell, and Arian Foster. Whether they attempted a comeback or were pushed out of the league, they were never the same runners as before their devastating injury.
The unfortunate timing for Dobbins coincides with his free agency. That's one of the primary reasons why he hasn't signed a new contract this offseason, but there is at least one team interested in his services.
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J.K. Dobbins Injury Update
Dobbins backed up his claims from his workout video in late February where he showed himself sprinting and leaning on his Achilles. He's officially been cleared by doctors for football activities.
Free-agent RB J.K. Dobbins has been cleared for football activities, Dr. Neal ElAttrache wrote in a letter to select teams today, noting Dobbins looks “outstanding” coming off a torn Achilles.
Dobbins, who averages 5.8 ypc in his career, is expected to take visits soon. pic.twitter.com/PS4mrB1LjU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2024
Dobbins immediately set up a visit with the Los Angeles Chargers, hoping to reunite with former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Roman was in Baltimore for Dobbins' 2020 and 2022 campaigns (he missed 2021 with a torn ACL). Back then, Dobbins rushed for 805 and 520 yards (in eight games), respectively, on an extremely efficient 5.85 yards per carry.
J.K. Dobbins Fantasy Football Outlook
Whether Dobbins and the Chargers mutually agree on a contract or not, he won't be relied on to carry the load. There isn't a team in the league that would depend on an oft-injured running back fresh off of an Achilles tear to be the lead back. That alone lowers his fantasy football ceiling in 2024.
If he does rejoin Roman in Los Angeles, Gus Edwards (also a former Raven) should operate as the RB1. They are opposite roles for the tandem that originally donned purple and black. The Chargers do have a need on their running back depth chart following Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley's departures.
For me, adding JK Dobbins wouldn’t change the Chargers need or probability of addressing the RB position in the draft.
— Dan W. (@DanWSports) March 28, 2024
If and when Dobbins does get signed, it will be on a short-term, prove-it deal. Destination aside, Dobbins will likely be available during the double-digit rounds when most fantasy drafts roll around. If he can stay healthy for an entire season and show that his Achilles won't slow him down moving forward, his value, notably in dynasty formats, can rebound in subsequent seasons.
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