GUS EDWARDS NEWS

What's fueling NFL rushing leader J.K. Dobbins' historic start with Chargers?

J.K. Dobbins is the first Charger to rush for 100-plus yards in back-to-back games to start a season. Here's how he's doing it.

SEPTEMBER 17

Chargers success in running game gives time for inexperienced passing game to get up to speed

During his first four years in the NFL, Justin Herbert had 13 games where he had at least 47 pass attempts

SEPTEMBER 17 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Heavy workload in win Edwards rushed 18 times for 59 yards in the Chargers' 26-3 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Impact Edwards actually outpaced backfield mate J.K. Dobbins by one carry but was markedly less efficient than his teammate. Nevertheless, the Chargers' ability to control both of their first two games and head coach Jim Harbaugh's penchant for the ground attack have combined to afford both backs a solid amount of opportunity to open the season. Dobbins is undoubtedly the more dynamic of the two, however, so Edwards may fall into more of a true complementary role if the game script is different in a Week 3 visit to the Steelers.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Justin Herbert throws 2 TDs to Quentin Johnston; Chargers hammer Panthers 26-3 to remain unbeaten

Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes to Quentin Johnston, J

SEPTEMBER 15 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Used often in win Edwards carried the ball 11 times for 26 yards in Sunday's 22-10 win over the Raiders. He also caught his lone target for two yards.

Impact Edwards led the team in carries Sunday, but it was his teammate J.K. Dobbins who stole the show taking caries of 46 and 61 yards en route to a 135-yard day on just 10 touches. The transplanted Baltimore duo figure to split the work evenly in the majority of the games, but it'll be interesting to see if Edwards continues to have the leg up on goal-line opportunities. Dobbins scored the lone rushing touchdown Sunday, but it came on a 12-yard run clearly designed to attack the outside of the defense. Perhaps more crucially for fantasy managers, the explosive back also was the designated receiving back recording three receptions to Edwards' one.

SEPTEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Co-starter with Dobbins Edwards is listed as a co-starter with J.K. Dobbins on the Chargers' unofficial Week 1 depth chart heading into Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Impact Edwards and Dobbins are both familiar with the rushing scheme of Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, as both running backs previously played under Roman in Baltimore. Dobbins is faster and has better hands, but Edwards should get a steady diet of inside runs and valuable goal-line work after racking up 13 rushing touchdowns with the Ravens in 2023. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins are listed as the backups at running back.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

J.K. Dobbins on Reuniting With OC Greg Roman & RB Gus Edwards in LA Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins meets with the media to discuss reuniting with fellow former Baltimore Ravens Gus Edwards & Offensive Coo...

AUGUST 29 • CHARGERS.COM

Fantasy football: Where to draft Los Angeles Chargers RB Gus Edwards Los Angeles Chargers RB Gus Edwards had a career-best season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and is primed for another solid campaign this...

AUGUST 28 • AZCENTRAL.COM

Not suiting up Edwards and J.K. Dobbins aren't in uniform for pregame warmups ahead of Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact Other veterans not in uniform include QB Justin Herbert (foot), TE Hayden Hurst, S Derwin James and OLB Joey Bosa. The Chargers may or may not play some starters but seem to be resting their most experienced players. Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson are the backfield options Saturday night.

AUGUST 17 • ROTOWIRE

Not slated to face Seahawks Edwards is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Seahawks, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact Also not on track to see action Saturday, per Popper, is J.K. Dobbins, who is listed along with Edwards as a co-starter on the Chargers' unofficial depth chart. With the top duo not slated to log snaps, Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller, Jaret Patterson and Elijah Dotson are available to handle backfield work versus Seattle.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Shares first-team reps Edward did 11-on-11 drills for the first time this summer Tuesday, splitting reps evenly with J.K. Dobbins, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact Dobbins previously got most of the first-team reps while Edwards was eased into training camp after undergoing an undisclosed procedure this offseason. They each got five snaps with the starting offense in full-team drills Tuesday, potentially setting the stage for a timeshare come Week 1. Rookie sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal still has time to make an impression but has been working with the backups so far.

JULY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry among 12 key RBs set to make impact on new teams

Nearly half of all NFL teams are set to have a new starting RB in 2024. We rate 12 key newcomers on the impact they're likely to have.

JULY 31

Being eased back in Edwards went through individual drills during Wednesday's practice, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Impact The report relays via coach Jim Harbaugh that Edwards underwent an unspecified offseason procedure, and as a result Harbaugh noted that as training camp proceeds the Chargers plan to give the running back a "longer runway" in terms of being a full participant in practice. As the coming season approaches, Daniel Popper of The Athletic has suggested that Edwards, when available, profiles as the team's lead back, with J.K. Dobbins -- health permitting -- Kimani Vidal and Isaiah Spiller in the mix for complementary touches. Given that Edwards doesn't offer much as a pass catcher, he'll make most of his fantasy impact in early-down and goal-line situations, a context that could lead to PPR utility for whoever emerges as the team's No.2/change-of-pace option.

JULY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Taking part in practice Edwards (undisclosed) is participating in Day 1 of training camp Wednesday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Edwards is going through drills in full pads Wednesday after having been limited to work on the side during June minicamp. The veteran bruiser appears over whatever issues where pestering him during spring. He reunites with offensive coordinator Greg Roman in what figures to be a run-heavy offensive scheme under new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Edwards appears the favorite to start Week 1, and likely also to handle the majority of goal-line work, a role that could boast high fantasy upside. Former Ravens teammate J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), Kimani Vidal, and Isaiah Spiller could all also be in the mix in what figures to be a backfield committee.

JULY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers' J.K. Dobbins says he's '100 percent,' excited to reunite with Gus Edwards, Greg Roman After recovering from another season-ending injury suffered in 2023, new Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins said Monday that he feels good a...

APRIL 29 • NFL.COM

Projected lead back Following the recent NFL draft, Edwards profiles as the Chargers' lead back as the 2024 season approaches, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact In the wake of the offseason departure of prior lead back Austin Ekeler, the Chargers' backfield has undergone an overhaul, with Edwards and J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) -- both former Baltimore Ravens -- arriving via free agency and Kimani Vidal through the 2024 draft, joining returnee Isaiah Spiller, a 2022 fourth-rounder. In that context, Popper suggests that Edwards, who GM Joe Hortiz described as a "bell cow" back in March, is in line to get the bulk of the team's work out of the gate this season, while Dobbins bounces back from his Achilles' injury and Vidal and Spiller make their cases to carve out complementary roles in the Los Angeles offense.

APRIL 29 • ROTOWIRE

Why Gus Edwards 'Wanted to be a Part' of the Chargers Offense "I just wanted to be a part of it because I already know what [Greg Roman's] mindset is. Same with Coach [Jim] Harbaugh, I already know what...

APRIL 9 • CHARGERS.COM

Chargers RB Gus Edwards: I 'love' OC Greg Roman's scheme

New Chargers running back Gus Edwards loves offensive coordinator Greg Roman's scheme, which he played in with the Ravens.

APRIL 9

Gus Edwards On Joining Harbaugh & Bolts Running back Gus Edwards meets with the media to discuss what attracted him to the Bolts during free agency, why he's looking forward to wor...

APRIL 8 • CHARGERS.COM

Former Ravens RB Gus Edwards switching up jersey number after signing with Chargers Former Ravens running back Gus Edwards is switching up his jersey number after signing with the Chargers

APRIL 1 • USATODAY.COM

Chargers Running Back Gus Edwards' Highlights Watch highlights of new LA Chargers RB Gus Edwards from his career with the Baltimore Ravens as he now joins Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and the...

MARCH 20 • CHARGERS.COM

Gus Edwards' Top Career Plays Watch the best plays made by running back Gus Edwards in five seasons in the NFL.

MARCH 14 • CHARGERS.COM

Patrick Queen, Gus Edwards Send Heartfelt Goodbyes to Baltimore Former Ravens LB Patrick Queen will play for the rival Steelers and Gus Edwards is going to the Chargers.

MARCH 14 • BALTIMORERAVENS.COM

What Gus Edwards & Will Dissly Bring to the Chargers Offense The Chargers added two vital pieces to their offense Wednesday with the addition of a powerful running back and run-blocking tight end

MARCH 13 • CHARGERS.COM

Photos: Best of Gus Edwards The Los Angeles Chargers today agreed to terms with running back Gus Edwards on a multi-year contract.

MARCH 13 • CHARGERS.COM