Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins looking to continue strong start against Panthers

Updated Sep. 13, 2024 8:23 p.m. ET

Associated Press

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — J.K. Dobbins made a successful return one year after an Achilles injury.

He is looking for more.

Dobbins rushed for 135 yards on 10 carries last weekend, helping the Los Angeles Chargers to a 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. He became the first Chargers running back in 17 years to have a pair of runs of at least 46 yards.

But he was frustrated that he was unable to take both of those long plays to the end zone, and he is already making some changes ahead of Sunday's game against Carolina.

“I've done a few long sprints instead of shorter sprints. Kind of like track practice,” Dobbins said Friday. “I’ve worked hard on my conditioning this week. ... I think I can be way better, you know? If I get those long runs again, I’m going to take it to the crib."

Dobbins played in only one game with Baltimore last year. He tore his Achilles tendon during the third quarter of the Ravens' opener against Houston. It was the second major injury in Dobbins' four years with Baltimore. He tore multiple ligaments in his left knee during the 2021 preseason.

The multiple injuries during his NFL career haven't dampened Dobbins' enthusiasm. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Dobbins' resolve though multiple rehab stints has impressed him.

“There’s not too many things that are more impressive than when you see somebody that has a season-ending injury, then comes back and is up to that same standard and maybe even a little better. And he did the work with a smile on his face,” Harbaugh said. “Anybody you work with or see with a smile on their face, at least you know they’re not mad at you.”

The injuries have not impacted Dobbins' quickness. According to the NFL's Next Gen Stats, Dobbins had a top speed of 19.92 mph on his 61-yard run midway during the third quarter, which tied him with Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley for the fastest among running backs in Week 1.

Despite having the fifth 100-yard game of his NFL career, Dobbins pointed to many areas of improvement that need to happen for the Chargers to get off to their first 2-0 start since 2012. That includes more consistency in the running game as Los Angeles ranked near the bottom of the league in its success rate in running plays.

“Right after the game he was saying ‘I could have done this better.’ That's the mindset and kind of place that you've got to have,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who was with Dobbins in his first three seasons in Baltimore.

Chargers fans are also hoping that they see a more consistent running game. Los Angeles ran for a league-high 233 yards in last year's opener, only to average a league-low 88.1 yards on the ground the rest of the season.

Dobbins has posted back-to-back 100-yard games once, in 2022 with Baltimore. He is trying to become the first Chargers back in franchise history to do it in the first two games of the season.

He will be going up against a Carolina defense that allowed 180 yards rushing, 4.86 yards per carry and two touchdowns on the ground in last weekend's 47-10 loss at New Orleans.

NOTES: Safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful after not practicing all week due to a knee injury. Harbaugh said it is likely Tony Jefferson would be moved up from the practice squad to the active roster if Gilman is inactive. Linebacker Joey Bosa is questionable after not practicing a second straight day due to back issues. Bosa tied for the team lead with seven tackles along with a sack and forced fumble last weekend.

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