EL SEGUNDO, California — The Los Angeles Chargers have officially placed running back J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve, meaning he will be sidelined for at least the next four games. This decision comes after Dobbins sprained the MCL in his left knee during the latter part of the first half in Monday’s 30-23 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens.
In addition to Dobbins, safety Alohi Gilman has also been placed on injured reserve. To fill the gap left in the roster, the Chargers signed safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster. Dobbins has had a strong season before his injury, ranking fourth in rushing within the AFC with a total of 766 yards and boasting an impressive average of 4.8 yards per carry, making him one of the top running backs in the conference for those with at least 100 carries. His return to performance has led to discussions surrounding the AP Comeback Player of the Year award, following his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during last season’s opening game.
In the absence of Dobbins, the Chargers will rely on Gus Edwards to step up as the lead running back. Edwards himself has had a challenging season, missing four games earlier due to an ankle injury. Since returning, he has made 25 carries for a total of 93 yards across three games.
The Chargers currently sit with a record of 7-4, occupying the sixth spot in the AFC playoff standings as they prepare to face the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons (6-5) on Sunday. Following this game, they will take on the Kansas City Chiefs (10-1) in a prime-time matchup on December 8 before hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) on December 15 and then facing the Denver Broncos (7-5) on December 19.
Gilman, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Ravens game, has been a key contributor to the team, recording 47 tackles, which ranks fifth on the squad, along with one sack. To shore up their defensive line for the upcoming match, the Chargers have also elevated cornerback Dicaprio Bootle and linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste from the practice squad.
