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How J.K. Dobbins' Injury Affects the Chargers Running Backs

Dobbins

Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that J.K. Dobbins is "working through something with his knee" and that he expects the running back to "miss some time."

Dobbins did not practice on Wednesday as the Bolts began preparing for Sunday's road game in Atlanta.

The running back had nine touches for 69 yards (7.6 yards per touch) Monday night before injuring his knee late in the first half against the Ravens. Dobbins did not return to the game.

Dobbins' teammates on Wednesday expressed frustration for the 25-year-old who has dealt with multiple injuries already in his career.

"We feel horrible for him," Justin Herbert said. "He's such a tough teammate and the way he's fought through so many injuries, we have no doubt he's going to be back better than ever."

Hassan Haskins added: "I was definitely kind of bummed out that happened to him. He's been having one hell of a year. I know how he's feeling and what all he's been through, but he's going to bounce back."

Dobbins had played in all 11 games thus far and is on pace for a career year. He currently leads the Chargers in rushing attempts (158), yards (766), rushing touchdowns (eight) and runs for a first down (39).

Dobbins is less than 40 yards from setting his career best and is also on pace for the first 1,000-yard season of his career.

If Dobbins misses extended time, the Chargers will rely on a trio of running backs in Gus Edwards, Haskins and rookie Kimani Vidal.

"Like them a lot," Harbaugh said. "Gus is heating back up, great to have him back in there.

"Hassan is really playing spectacular football. Special teams, he's playing really good. Pass protection, he's had some crucial first down pickups for us in short yardage," Harbaugh added. "And Kimani, excited to see him out there as well."

Herbert ranks second on the team with 211 rushing yards, followed by 206 from Edwards, who spent time on Injured Reserve earlier this season.

Haskins played a season-high 31 snaps Monday night but didn't have a carry, meaning he spent a lot of time in pass protection.

"I pride myself anytime I go into the game," Haskins said Wednesday. "I'm trying to help the team win, so anything they need me to do, I'm going to do it to my best."

He later added: "I'm just ready whenever they need me."

Vidal's best moment this season came on his first NFL touch, which was a 38-yard touchdown catch in Week 6 against Denver.

The Chargers currently rank 13th in rushing yards per game (118.1) and are 15th in rushing EPA per play (-0.073).

Herbert said Wednesday it will take a collective effort to make up for Dobbins' absence.

"It's up to us, it's our responsibility to hold it down while he's gone," Herbert said. "We know how much he cares about this team, about our success, about our performances.

"We got to do a good job of making right by him and making him proud," Herbert added.

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