Baltimore Ravens’ Running Back J.K. Dobbins Status For Week 1 Unclear

By Jordan Long

The Baltimore Ravens open up training camp today as rookies report.   Veterans join them on July 26^th.  The Ravens hope running back J.K. Dobbins will be back for week 1 when they face the New York Jets.  His status is up in the air.

                Dobbins enters his third season in the NFL.  2020 was his rookie year when he rushed for 805 yards and 9 touchdowns.  Dobbins’ yards per rush was an impressive 6 yards.  The Ravens also used him in the passing game, catching 18 passes for 120 yards.

                Last year the Ravens expected Dobbins to improve those numbers and rush for over 1,000 yards.  This was going to take the pressure off of quarterback Lamar Jackson to make plays.  Unfortunately, Dobbins missed the whole season.  He suffered an ACL tear in the final preseason game last year against Washington.

                The Ravens are anticipating him to be back at some point this season.  Dobbins wants to be ready to play week 1.  According to MSN.com, Dobbins said on his Twitter account, “Okay I’m tired of being quiet… come to me for your source [Rapaport] because I might not even go on [the physically unable to perform list] because that’s how good my rehab is going and I’m damn sure I’ll be ready for Week 1. Just know I been working, I been quiet for a reason. I thrive best when I face adversity…go check my resume.” 

                Dobbins’ rehab sounds like it is going well but he doesn’t have the last say. The Ravens medical staff and coaches will decide how to move forward with him. It is more than likely Dobbins will be on the PUP list to start camp (Physically Unable to Perform list). Dobbins would rather not begin camp that way but it is for his own safety. He may not even play in preseason games. The Ravens don’t want him to hurt his knee or have a significant injury that will keep him out long term in a meaningless game or practice. 

This is smart by the Ravens to watch his rehab.  He could play in week 1 depending on his condition.   The worst case is Dobbins misses a few weeks of the regular season.  Either way though, Dobbins should be back on the field at some point this season for the Ravens.