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J.K. Dobbins Returns to Practice as Chargers Stay Focused With Chance to Clinch Playoff Berth 

FTP Dobbins

The Chargers got a major impact player back on the field heading into a new week of preparation.

Running back J.K. Dobbins, who is on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, was back in action Monday as the Bolts opened his 21-day practice window.

Dobbins has not played since Week 12 against the Ravens when he hurt his knee in the first half.

The 25-year-old running back was an important part of the team's' first 11 games of the year, rushing for 766 yards and eight touchdowns prior to his injury.

It remains to be seen what his status will be for this week, but his return was something that the group was fired up about on Monday.

"Super excited," Harbaugh said about Dobbins' return. "Couldn't wait, can't wait, now he's back."

Rashawn Slater added: "We love that guy. Just raises the energy of everybody around him and he looks really good too. Pleasure to have him [back] for sure."

While Dobbins could potentially return at New England, one thing for sure is that he Chargers road to clinching a playoff spot has gotten clearer ahead of Week 17.

Win, and they're in.

As a result of the Bolts massive comeback win on Thursday night against the Broncos and wins by Miami and Indianapolis on Sunday, the team now controls its own destiny heading into Saturday's game in New England.

Not that it changes anything about this week.

Even with the Bolts knowing what's at stake going into Foxborough, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said it's business as usual.

"Just attacking each day, attacking each year," Harbaugh said on Monday.

He later added: "Win the next game, that's our mindset."

That message was echoed by the players, who shared a similar sentiment after being back at it at The Bolt on Monday.

Playoff berth on the table or not, the group remains focused on the next team on the schedule.

"At the end of the day, we're focusing on one week at a time and not really worrying about that part," Morgan Fox said. "Our goal is to win next game and the game after that. I think we're trying not to think too much about that."

Slater added: "All the outside stuff to me, it's just outside. We're really focused on just taking care of business."

Check out the best shots from the Chargers Week 16 matchup against the Broncos!

And what's in front of them is a Patriots team that has battled, as half of their losses have been by one possession this season.

It's why they are fixed on getting the win in New England and the Patriots have the Chargers' full attention — they're a team that can't be overlooked.

"It's always one week at a time," Herbert said. "We've got a lot of respect for this Patriots team, they're a very good football team. We know that we're going on the road and we got to be ready for anything.

"As long as we're continuing to build and get better each week, that's always been the mindset," Herbert added.

Slater added: "All that stuff is coming for us, but we've got to focus on what's right in front of and that's the Patriots game. This is a good opponent that we have a lot of respect for, so we got to attack it just like we do every week."

The other scenario in which the Bolts could also clinch a spot in Week 17 is with a tie plus losses or ties by both the Dolphins and Colts.

The playoff push is heating up — but it's not like it's any different than what's been the last couple of weeks for the Chargers.

As safety Derwin James, Jr., pointed out, the team has operated in a playoff-mode mentality for a while now, and Saturday will just be another chance to do the same.

"It's [been] playoff games ever since what's been at stake a couple of weeks ago," James said. "Every game, we've been treating them like a playoff game.

"It's just another opportunity for us to go out and keep creating what we're trying to build out here," James added.

Take a look back at the Chargers Week 16 matchup with the Broncos in monochrome!

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