J. K. Dobbins would be fit to return to the field.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that Dobbins, who tore his Achilles tendon in the Baltimore Ravens’ 2023 season opener, has been cleared to return to football and will take free visits to the company in the near future.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache wrote a letter saying that the runner looked “exceptional” in his recovery from the loss.
Injuries have long been a fear for the Ohio State product, which missed the entire 2021 season with a knee injury and was limited to just 8 games in 2022.
The 2020 second-round pick has been explosive when in form, with thirteen overall touchdowns in 24 games and an average of 5. 8 yards consistent with carrying. He seemed to be on his way to becoming a cornerstone of the offense in Baltimore when he ran for 805. Yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, however, fitness issues have largely derailed his career since then.
While it remains to be noted how much interest he will generate as a free agent given his past injuries, Dobbins is still just 25 years old and may be a low-risk addition.
JK DOBBINS!2 touchdowns in the first quarter!?: #BUFvsBAL on CBS?: NFL https://t. co/cByfmcze7G pic. twitter. com/8feRf0PEbw broadcast
A team that needs intensity at the running back position could simply incorporate him into what will likely be an amicable deal for the team due to fitness issues and make him play as part of a rotation in 2024 and likely beyond.
That team probably won’t be the Ravens, considering how they added Derrick Henry this offseason.
Henry is one of the running backs of his generation and is expected to be the workhorse of his new team after leading the league in rushed attempts in 4 of the last five seasons.
Baltimore also has Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill to bring intensity to the roster and relies on quarterback Lamar Jackson for rushed attempts.
Still, regardless of which team he signs, Dobbins could land a low-risk, high-reward point guard who has likely recovered well from his recent setback.