Oft-injured J.K. Dobbins believes he’s ‘back and ready to go’ with Chargers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — J.K. Dobbins heard all the naysayers after an injury plagued start to his career. However, the 25-year-old running back was smiling at his critics following an impressive Los Angeles Chargers debut.

Dobbins rushed 10 times for 135 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in what was his first game since suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 of last season.

“I'm blessed, man, the Lord put me in the position, and I was ready for it,” Dobbins said to USA TODAY Sports. “He answered my prayers, you know. And I keep getting better each and every week, you know, get more in shape, and I'll be ready to go.”

Injuries have marred Dobbins’ NFL career thus far. He was originally a 2020 second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Dobbins sustained a season-ending knee injury in the 2021 preseason and was limited to just eight games in 2022 due to knee issues. Then the injury bug struck his Achilles in the 2023 opener. His injuries led him to a one-year prove-it deal with the Chargers in April.

Dobbins’ season debut in 2024 was injury-free and stellar. His 135 rushing yards marked his second-highest single-game rushing total and fifth 100-yard game of his career. He scored the Chargers’ first touchdown on a 12-yard run during which he broke two tackles on the way to pay dirt. In the second half, Dobbins had a 46-yard run and a 61-yard scamper that provided evidence that’s he’s recovered from a slew of injuries.

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“He played a great game. We love J.K. He brings energy every day to practice and in the games. We block for him with our everything that we have,” Chargers WR Joshua Palmer said to USA TODAY Sports. “It's great to see him shine.”

While at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh coached against Dobbins when the running back was at Ohio State. Dobbins rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns in a 2019 game against the Wolverines. In Week 1, Harbaugh gave Dobbins a game ball.

“J.K. Dobbins, what an incredible game,” the Chargers head coach said. “Breaking those two long runs and just the tough yards.”

Harbaugh coached teams typically play a physical brand of football and attempt to establish the run. The team ran the football 27 times for 176 yards. While Justin Herbert had 26 passing attempts versus Las Vegas.

Dobbins, who’s never played a full 17-game regular season, aspires to remain healthy this year and produce in a Chargers offensive scheme that figures to be a run-oriented. The running back’s battled through plenty of adversity in his career, but he had a smile on his face in what he says was an early Week 1 message and hopefully an injury-free season.

“It means a lot to me. I've had unfortunate injuries,” Dobbins said. “And everyone thought I was finished, but that's not how I’m wired. I grew up with hard workers. I grew up not with a rich family and stuff like that. So only thing I know to do is just keep working (and) keep fighting. Keep a smile on my face too while doing it. … We're gonna be a good team and you know, I'm back. I’m back and ready to go.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.