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Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) suffered a knee injury in Week 12 against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve, and hasn't played a game since then.
However, he's now missed the four games required by players to are put on IR, so there's obviously the chance that he could return in Week 17. And if he does, many fantasy managers will have to choose whether they should start or sit him.
So is he for sure coming back? And if so, should he be started in fantasy football?
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J.K. Dobbins Fantasy Football Outlook
There's some great news on this front -- Dobbins is being elevated to the active roster and will play in Week 17 on Saturday against the New England Patriots. It's unlikely that the team would do this if he weren't 100% ready to roll.
Help on the way: The #Chargers are activating RB JK Dobbins from IR, paving the way for him to play against the #Patriots, per me and @TomPelissero.
A top candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, Dobbins leads the team with 8 TDs. Now, he’s back to add to it. pic.twitter.com/iEa45hKCAZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2024
We should thus expect him to be at or close to full strength. And he has a great matchup with the New England Patriots, who have struggled mightily on both sides of the ball this season. The return of their best run-stuffing defensive tackle, Christian Barmore (illness) was short lived -- he'll miss the rest of the season on the Non-Football Injury/Illness list.
And in their last three games, the Pats have allowed opposing rushers to average 5.1 yards per carry. This paves the way for Los Angeles to run the ball heavily if they choose to do so, which obviously benefits No. 27.
Should I Start J.K. Dobbins in Week 17?
It's a great matchup, so we believe you should start him. He's had four weeks to recover from his knee issue, and time away due to injuries actually allows other muscles, tendons and ligaments to get much-needed rest. Dobbins will have fresh legs.
#Boltup RB JK DOBBINS is set to return this weekend for the fantasy championship vs the #NEPats.
With Gus Edwards out, its likely him alone in the backfield. Are you firing him back up immediately⁉️pic.twitter.com/Yh9720AvUL
— PlayerProfiler NFL (@Profiler_NFL) December 27, 2024
Backfield mate RB Gus Edwards (ankle) has an ankle injury and has been ruled out. And rookie back Kimani Vidal has hardly made an impact this season outside of one touchdown catch on a wheel route due to a busted coverage by the defense.
Dobbins is by far the most talented RB on this team, and they've been treating him like it as well. Fire him up if he's on your fantasy rosters.
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