The Kansas City Chiefs continue to explore ways to bolster the offense this week as they shop in the latter waves of free agency for further talent and depth. This week, they're reportedly hosting former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins.
NFL reporter Adam Schefter of ESPN says that Dobbins's reps say he's in Kansas City on Tuesday and that he's expected to find a team to land with "very soon".
Dobbins was originally a second round pick of the Baltimore Ravens back in the 2020 NFL Draft after enjoying a stellar career at Ohio State. In three seasons for the Buckeyes, Dobbins rushed for 4,459 yards and 38 touchdowns, including an incredible final season in 2019 when he crossed the 2K-yard threshold—the first time ever in OSU history.
Unfortunately, injuries have always presented a significant risk factor for Dobbins and that has proven true at the pro level in myriad ways. A torn ACL in the preseason robbed him of his entire sophomore season with the Ravens and a knee injury plagued him again midway through his third year in the NFL. Last year, he suffered an Achilles injury in Week 1. To date, he's made 10 career NFL starts, although he did play in 15 games in 2020 in his rookie campaign.
When healthy, Dobbins has been effective in short bursts in the NFL. Through parts of four seasons, Dobbins has 234 carries for 1,347 rushing yards—good for a 5.8 yards/carry average.
That Dobbins has endured such misfortune when it comes to his health is sad to see because the talent is clearly there. But any team, including the Chiefs, who are going to take the chance also needs to have a very clear and ready Plan B with the understanding that anything from Dobbins is a bonus for the offense.