J.K. Dobbins becomes latest ex-Ravens player to sign with Jim Harbaugh's Chargers

Jim Harbaugh continues to draw from the Baltimore Ravens' well as he rebuilds the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers are signing former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal, according to his agency, LAA Sports & Entertainment.

It's a high-risk move that potentially has a high reward.

Dobbins has been dogged by injuries during his four-year NFL career. A second-round pick in 2020 out of Ohio State, he had his entire 2021 season wiped out by a preseason knee injury and he managed just eight games in 2022. An Achilles injury suffered during Week 1 of the 2023 season ended his career in Baltimore.

When he's been on the field, though, Dobbins often has been electric, sporting a 5.8 yards per carry average.

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Dobbins joins a cavalcade of former Ravens players, coaches and executives who have jumped from John Harbaugh's organization to brother Jim's this offseason.

Dobbins will be running the ball for the Chargers under the direction of his former Ravens offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, and alongside Gus Edwards, his backfield mate throughout his time in Baltimore. Joining them in the backfield could be former Ravens fullback Ben Mason and the duo could find themselves running behind former Baltimore lineman Bradley Bozeman and tight end Hayden Hurst.

All those players were brought in by Joe Hortiz, the Chargers' new GM who spent more than 20 years working for the Ravens.

Jim Harbaugh won the national championship at Michigan this past season with hard-nosed, run-first football. Parting ways with wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, the importing of the Ravens' backfield and hiring of the run-happy Roman all indicate he's taking the same approach in his return to the NFL.