When Is J.K. Dobbins Coming Back - Fantasy Football Injury Return Update for Week 16 (2024)

The playoff push is here, and fantasy managers are watching every injured player closely. J.K. Dobbins, running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, has been out of action since Week 12 with a left knee injury. His return could make a difference, but timing is everything.

The 25-year-old suffered an MCL sprain while facing his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 12. The injury led to his placement on injured reserve before Week 13, requiring him to miss at least four games. That timeline rules him out for Week 16, leaving fantasy managers to wait and see if he is ready for Week 17.

As the Chargers prepare to face the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football in Week 16, you must pivot while Dobbins remains unavailable. Let's look at his outlook for the remainder of the season to see if he can help your team hoist a trophy.

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J.K. Dobbins Injury Update for Fantasy Football

The Houston native sustained a left knee injury in Week 12, confirmed to be an MCL sprain. The injury came during a battle with the Ravens and led to his placement on injured reserve shortly after. By league rules, Dobbins must miss four games, making Week 17, when he could face the New England Patriots, the earliest he can return.

This was the last snap J.K. Dobbins played last night. Was ruled out with a knee injury. Can see he got his right leg caught on an awkward tackle. pic.twitter.com/7nSwwcyHFp

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 27, 2024

Dobbins' history of lower body injuries is well-documented. He missed the entire 2021 season due to a devastating knee injury that involved multiple ligaments, and in 2023, he appeared in only one game before tearing his Achilles.

Given this history, the Chargers could take a cautious approach and hold the RB out until the playoffs, especially with the team currently at 8-6 and in the hunt for postseason play.

J.K. Dobbins Fantasy Football Outlook

Even if Dobbins were eligible to return for Week 16, the short week and Denver's defense make it a difficult matchup. The Broncos have conceded the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season, and their defense continues to limit opposing rushers effectively.

For fantasy managers, looking elsewhere for help this week is key. Consider Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints if you need running back depth. With Alvin Kamara sidelined by a groin injury in Week 15, Miller saw an increased workload and could be a sneaky option for Week 16.

Kendre Miller scores in his first game without Dennis Allen as his HC

pic.twitter.com/6nbWN1CqO9

— Matty Kiwoom (@MattyKiwoom) December 8, 2024

While Dobbins' return in Week 17 would be a welcome boost, managers should keep their options open as we wind down the season. Even if he gets the green light in Week 17, you should not depend on a running back who is just returning from another lower-body injury.

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