Why isn't JK Dobbins playing tonight? Exploring Chargers RB Absence for Week 16 TNF vs. Broncos

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With a playoff spot potentially on the line, the LA Chargers will meet the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night. However, they will be without running back JK Dobbins again.

The Chargers’ offensive struggles, especially since Dobbins’ injury, have been a big factor in their losses in each of their last two games. The 26-year-old running back, who has a long injury history in the NFL, has not played since Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Find out why JK Dobbins he will not be available for Thursday’s game against the Broncos next.

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Why isn’t JK Dobbins playing Thursday night against the Denver Broncos?

The LA Chargers placed JK Dobbins on injured reserve after he tore his MCL during Monday night’s Week 12 game against the Baltimore Ravens. This means that before you can return to the field, you must miss a minimum of four games.

Will JK Dobbins play this season?

After missing games against the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dobbins can be activated from the injured reserve list in Week 17 when the Bolts face the New England Patriots. Los Angeles has not revealed if he will return for this game, however.

Coach Jim Harbaugh noted before the game against Atlanta two weeks ago that Dobbins is recovering from a knee ailment and expects him to miss some time.

Dobbins has a well-documented injury history in the NFL, playing in just nine games over the past two seasons due to an ailing Achilles and a torn ACL. The Bolts could make a postseason run if the star running back returns in Week 17.

Who will be the Chargers No. 1 RB against the Broncos in the absence of JK Dobbins?

The LA Chargers’ offensive fluidity has been hampered by the unavailability of JK Dobbins, which has led to an over-reliance on quarterback Justin Herbert. In the last three outings, the team’s alternate runners, Kimani Vidal and Gus Edwardsthey have failed to adequately replace Dobbins, which has raised questions about the team’s chances of making the playoffs.

That said, Edwards and Vidal are expected to continue to share backfield snaps for the Bolts when they host the Broncos in prime time tonight.