J.K. Dobbins sidelined for several games after injuring knee
- J.K. Dobbins has been placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained in a recent game against the Ravens.
- The Chargers are relying on Gus Edwards to fill the gap left by Dobbins during his absence.
- The team is currently 7-4 as they approach key matchups in December, seeking to secure a playoff spot.
In El Segundo, California, on November 30, 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers announced that running back J.K. Dobbins has been placed on injured reserve after spraining the MCL in his left knee during the first half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens. This injury, which occurred late in the first half of their latest match on November 25, 2024, will keep him out of action for at least four games. Dobbins had been performing exceptionally, ranking fourth in rushing yards in the AFC, with a total of 766 yards and an average of 4.8 yards per carry, making him one of the strongest candidates for the AP Comeback Player of the Year due to his remarkable recovery from a torn Achilles tendon sustained in the previous season's opener. In response to Dobbins' injury, the Chargers will rely on Gus Edwards as the lead running back. Edwards has had a challenging season himself, missing four games earlier due to an ankle injury and returning to the lineup with limited carries—25 for 93 yards—over the last three games. Alongside Dobbins, safety Alohi Gilman has also been placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury during the same game against the Ravens. Gilman has contributed significantly to the team's defense, recording 47 tackles, ranking fifth on the team, and also contributing a sack. The Chargers are currently holding a 7-4 record and are placed sixth in the AFC standings. This situation is critical as they prepare for their upcoming games, including a match against the NFC South leader, Atlanta, on December 1, followed by an important prime-time game against Kansas City on December 8. The team will also host games against Tampa Bay on December 15 and Denver on December 19, making it essential for them to have a solid roster as they aim for a playoff spot. In light of these injuries, the Chargers have taken steps to bolster their team by signing safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster and elevating cornerback Dicaprio Bootle and linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste from the practice squad. This adjustment demonstrates the team's quick response to adapt to the increased challenges posed by injuries as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the final stretch of the season.