Throughout the previous season, Aaron Jones, the running back for the Green Bay Packers, grappled with a hamstring injury, leading to his absence in six games. This fueled speculation that his tenure with the Packers might be coming to an end. However, towards the end of the season, Jones experienced a resurgence, solidifying his position within the team. Despite this, it seems likely that the Packers will part ways with A.J. Dillon, their well-liked second-string running back.
In considering replacements, the Packers are contemplating an unconventional option: the signing of J.K. Dobbins, a free-agent running back from the Baltimore Ravens. Dobbins has a history of numerous injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon suffered during the opening game of 2023. Despite participating in 15 games during his rookie year in 2020, Dobbins missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee injury. Over the course of 2021 to 2023, he was absent for 82% of the Ravens’ regular-season games, amounting to a total of 64% of games missed throughout his four-year career.
Despite his injury setbacks, Dobbins is striving for a comeback season. Bleacher Report suggests that the Packers could be the ideal team for his resurgence. Although Dobbins has demonstrated Pro Bowl potential when healthy, injuries have plagued his career. His significant time off the field has hindered his ability to fully showcase his talent. Nonetheless, Dobbins has maintained an impressive average of 5.8 yards per carry across 234 NFL carries.
Alex Kay of B/R indicates that Dobbins may need to accept a “prove it” style contract, projected to earn just over $2 million, as teams may be cautious about his injury history. The article suggests that the Packers could offer Dobbins the opportunity to rehabilitate his career, serving as a backup to Aaron Jones. While the term “rehabilitate” may not be the most favorable for Dobbins given his history of rehabilitation assignments, it underscores the need for a fresh start. The Packers, with their potential low-cost investment, could provide the platform for Dobbins to revitalize his career.
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