Is Gus Edwards or J.K. Dobbins the RB1 for the Chargers?

After opting not to re-sign long-time starting back Austin Ekeler, the Los Angeles Chargers have been busy re-inventing their running back room. So far, the club's answer has been to relocate the Baltimore Ravens backfield to The City of Angels.

Gus Edwards was brought in on a two-year, $6.5 million deal. They also recently signed back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is very familiar with both rushers as they played for Harbaugh's brother, John, for many years in Baltimore. That familiarity should make for an easy transition.

Who will emerge as the lead back from this duo? Will Edwards' nose for the endzone give him the edge? Or can Dobbins do the impossible and overcome an injury that has doomed many other backs? Perhaps the team is still searching for their RB1?

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Who is the Los Angeles Chargers' RB1?

Edwards is coming off his best season as a pro that saw him score a career-high 13 touchdowns on the ground.

There are THREE certainties in life.

Death.

Taxes.

Gus Edwards Red Zone TD’s #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/MDW5BsUqMv

— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) November 5, 2023

Dobbins flashed elite ability as a rookie in 2020. He averaged a staggering 6.0 yards per carry to go along with nine touchdowns.

Go be great J.K. Dobbins 🥲 pic.twitter.com/Uz9hnvrj7V

— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) April 17, 2024

Unfortunately for Dobbins, he has struggled mightily with injuries since his rookie season. A massive knee injury in 2021 caused him to miss 26 games from 2021-2022. Last year, he endured a running back's worst nightmare when he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1. It remains to be seen if Dobbins can regain his old form, but the odds are not good coming off two devastating injuries.

Both backs are reuniting with former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Edwards and Dobbins played in Roman's offense during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. While both have experience in the system, we are most likely trending toward some backfield split here. Neither player has shown an ability to handle 300+ touches and it's unlikely Los Angeles asks one to do so at this stage in their careers.

Ultimately, the Chargers RB1 may not be on their roster. They will likely select a rookie back in this week's draft. That would immediately change the outlook here. Depending on draft capital, that player could very well hold the edge. For now, it would appear Edwards has the inside track for "lead" duties, as the coaching staff seems to have a clear role in mind for him. Plus, he is not the back coming off multiple serious injuries. Expect a 60/40 type split in favor of Edwards, pending the results of next week's NFL Draft.

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