Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins suffers season-ending injury in NFL season opener

John Harbaugh ‘Crestfallen’ for J.K. Dobbins | Baltimore Ravens

After the Baltimore Ravens’ season-opening 25-9 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday, coach John Harbaugh announced that running back J.K. Dobbins would be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles.

Before leaving the game, Dobbins had recorded eight carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, with two catches for 15 yards.

In the third quarter, Dobbins left the game after catching a five-yard pass from QB Lamar Jackson, advancing the team to Houston’s two-yard line. There, Texans safety M.J. Stewart tackled him near the sideline, and he cautiously made his way toward the edge of the field.

Jackson shared his thoughts, acknowledging that Dobbins had worked hard to make a statement in his final rookie season. He mentioned that Dobbins’ season-ending injury was a major setback for the team.

“I spoke highly of him this offseason, just letting everybody know that we really need him. For him to go down with a season-ending injury, that’s just very unfortunate for us,” Jackson said.

Meanwhile, Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen expressed his heartfelt concern about Dobbins’ injury. Queen conveyed his sadness at seeing this unfortunate event happen to someone as talented as Dobbins. He said Dobbins had a life beyond being a great athlete, requesting everyone to pray for him.

Skipping training camp

Before the season opener, Dobbins missed all summer workouts and training camp while on the PUP list.

Despite missing 14 training camp practices, Dobbins mentioned that contract negotiations with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta were ongoing. However, he had to skip the camp to prioritize his health.

“I was just being cautious. My teammates need me so I am going to be there for my teammates,” Dobbins said. “My teammates understood what was going on, so it was all good. I am out here.”

Dobbins was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft and had an impressive rookie season, playing in 15 games and making one start. He accumulated 835 rushing yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry and scoring nine touchdowns. However, his 2021 season was marred by a knee injury, limiting him to just eight games.

In addition to Dobbins, other Baltimore players also suffered injuries on Sunday. Tackle Ronnie Stanley left the field with a knee injury, and center Tyler Linderbaum left with an ankle injury.