J.K. Dobbins Returns To Practice With No Answer For Absence
Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins made a comeback to practice two weeks ago. The reasons for his prior absence during the mandatory minicamp in June and the initial 14 training sessions of camp continue to be a puzzle, Dobbins had no intentions of sharing any insights Wednesday.
When asked about his absence, Dobbins was hesitant to say much of anything, responding “That’s a tough question,” according to Jameson Hensley of ESPN.
Head coach John Harbaugh openly acknowledged the confusion of why his running back was placed on the PUP list at the commencement of training camp, stating that Dobbins’ non-participation was characterized by “a degree of complexity.”
There are one of two answers here, either Dobbins is upset with his current contract, or he’s still dealing with nagging injuries. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to make $1.391 million this season, per Over The Cap.
However, this may be the worst time to miss camp for running backs more than ever before. The position has increasingly lost value, with teams willing to give up or underpay stars like Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley and Austin Ekeler.
Aside from him playing arguably one of the least valued positions on the field, Dobbins has a career riddled with injuries.
J.K. Dobbins suffered an ACL tear in the 2021 preseason. Despite his return in 2022, the Ohio State alum’s performance consistently showed signs of being affected. Amidst that season, he underwent an additional knee surgery. It’s becoming increasingly conceivable that these knee problems might be persistent.
There’s no doubt that Dobbins is a talented back. He has a career 5.9 yards per carry and rushed for 805 yards in 2020 while sharing carries with Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards.
However, like Trey Daubert of Vendetta pointed out: “We’re talking about a player that has failed to stay healthy and has NEVER had 18 carries in a singular game. I’m sorry but that’s just not good enough to warrant an extension right away. Dobbins needs way more of a resume to complain about his deal.“
It’s dangerous for Dobbins to try and hold out if that’s what he was doing, but he’s back now and that’s all that matters.
“I was just being cautious,” Dobbins said Wednesday. “I want to be there for my teammates, and that’s all it was. My teammates understood what was going on. So, it’s all good now. I’m out here.”
He avoided talk of his contract but praised Harbaugh, the Ravens’ front office and ownership.
“Mr. Eric [DeCosta], he’s the best G.M. — the best G.M. in the game,” Dobbins stated. “He’ll get it worked out. Whatever happens, happens. We have good conversations.
“It is what it is. In the time being, I’m going to go out there and play and do good. Hopefully, I’m playing for the Ravens for the rest of my life, in my football career.”
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