Why isn’t J.K. Dobbins playing the preseason? Ravens running back ‘on track’ to play Week 1, but ACL still recovering

Abraham Smith

Ravens fans will have to wait a little longer to see JK Dobbins on the field.

After an electrifying rookie campaign in which he had over 900 all-purpose yards, Dobbins missed all of 2021 with a cruciate ligament injury, an injury he sustained in Baltimore in the last game of the preseason.

Dobbins, who started training camp on the PUP list, was activated and training last Monday. According to Adam ShefteDobbins is “on track to be ready” for Week 1.

Despite a spate of backfield injuries, the Ravens were still third in rushing last season in the NFL; However, their quarterback Lamar Jackson was the team leader by nearly 200 yards. Contingency option Devonta Freeman has rushed for over 500 yards, but the position was a pain point for Baltimore last year.

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Why doesn’t JK Dobbins play preseason?

While good enough for practice, game speed is another issue entirely.

After Dobbins begins training camp on the PUP list, his priorities are adjusting to offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s offense, working with Jackson in the backfield, and practicing to get up to game speed.

With that in mind, the Ravens remain conservative in Dobbins’ return schedule.

“Yes, [Dobbins] definitely wants to go,” John Harbaugh said last week, according to the team’s website. But that’s up to the doctors and him, and they’ll sort it out. Once he’s back out there, we’re going to train him really hard.”

Dobbins struggled with Ian Rapoport earlier in the off-season, as reported by Rapoport Dobbins was “not sure” about going into Week 1. Dobbins answered and said

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While Dobbins went on the PUP shortly thereafter, his return in Week 1 seems promising.

Will JK Dobbins be ready for week 1?

Dobbins likely won’t see the field during preseason, but he should be ready for the Ravens’ opener on Sept. 11 against the Jets in New York.

“I thought he looked pretty good in singles, the first day he was out there in singles, you guys saw how he moved and did the ball handling drill, that’s going to be the first step,” Harbaugh said. “Maybe we’re adding a little bit more every day, kind of seeing how he’s handling it and seeing how the knee responds, but it seems like so far so good.”

Harbaugh is not the type of coach to push anyone back. In fact, the Ravens had missed Jackson in 2021 with a couple of injuries. Dobbins may not be playing preseason this year, but the Ravens are looking ahead.

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