J.K. Dobbins sidelined for Falcons game with knee sprain, to be evaluated in a week's time

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (25) has been officially ruled out for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, following his absence from practice on Wednesday due to a knee sprain.

Dobbins' injury will be assessed on a week-to-week basis as he gradually returns to his starting role. He sustained the injury during Monday night's contest against the Baltimore Ravens, where he was seen holding his knee but later jogging along the sidelines.

He did not return to the game and is now expected to be unavailable for an extended period. Dobbins was having a standout season, with many considering him a leading candidate for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award. He ranks 12th in the league with 766 rushing yards, ninth in touchdowns (8), and 16th in carries (158).

As a former second-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2020, Dobbins requires just 39 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns to achieve new career highs. His current total of 134 receiving yards this season also marks a personal best.

Dobbins has a significant history of injuries, which includes a broken fibula (2016), ankle sprain (2019), bruised ribs (2020), torn ACL (2021), torn LCL (2021), torn meniscus (2021), torn hamstring (2021), and a torn Achilles (2023).

In Dobbins' absence, Gus Edwards will take on the starting role for the game against the Falcons, with Hassan Haskins serving as the backup. However, it would not be surprising if the Chargers opt to utilize the running back who performs best, particularly given that Edwards had a challenging outing last game, managing only 11 yards on nine carries. The Chargers (7-4) aim to bounce back and maintain their playoff aspirations, while the Falcons (6-5) seek to do the same.