NFL Insider offers latest on JK Dobbins injury
JK Dobbins was carted off the field on Saturday night after suffering a leg injury on the first series of the Baltimore Ravens preseason finale. The second-year running back reportedly injured his left knee.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported an update Sunday morning on Twitter. The initial fear is the Ohio State product suffered a season-ending injury, but Baltimore will learn more after Dobbins has an MRI on his leg sometime on Sunday.
Losing Dobbins for the season would be a huge loss for a Baltimore offense that was expecting to continue to integrate the tailback into the game plan this season.
Former NFL doctor weighs in on injury
David J. Chao, a former NFL head team doctor with more than 17 years of experience, runs profootballdoc.com, which evaluates injuries based on past experience and video evidence, along with notable reports.
“J.K. Dobbins, the Ravens second-year running back suffered a hyperextended left knee in the first quarter of the team’s third preseason game,” Chao wrote in his initial report. “Dobbins was carted off the field after a shoulder to the knee and did not put any weight on his left leg. According to limited video from only one angle, he appears to have suffered a direct blow to the front of his knee, causing a hyperextension with bone bruise, which would mean missing about the first month of the season.”
He continued: “The worst-case scenario is that he suffered a severe hyperextension with a ligament tear, which could potentially knock him out for the season. At this point, he has a significant left knee injury, but we would need further angles and information to decipher.”
The Ravens open their season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 13.
JK Dobbins poised for breakout season
After last year’s rookie campaign, the Ravens were counting on a breakout season for Dobbins this fall. Dobbins closed out the 2020 season with 805 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie.
The second-year back looked good on two early carries Saturday night, displaying burst and shiftiness, generating 15 yards, including a 10-yard pop to open the Ravens’ first drive.
It would be a massive blow to Baltimore’s run-heavy offense if Dobbins is out for an extended period. The former Ohio State running back was in line to have a massive second season. Now, that might all be in jeopardy.
Lamar Jackson, seeing his first preseason action, was also sacked twice Saturday night, including the play after JK Dobbins went down. Jackson took a seat after the drive, finishing 3-of-4 passing for 29 yards.