J.K. Dobbins cleared for football activity after Week 1 torn Achilles, looks ‘outstanding’ per his surgeon

Former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins is trying to get back on an NFL roster. And after an unfortunate string of lower body injuries in Baltimore, Dobbins has enlisted the help of his surgeon to convince NFL teams he’s good to go.

Dobbins has apparently been cleared for football activity, according to a letter that Dr. Neal ElAttrache sent to “select teams,” per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. ElAttrache is a Los Angeles-based surgeon who is popular among athletes and is the surgeon for the Los Angeles Rams.

ElAttrache apparently noted in his letter that Dobbins, who is coming off a torn Achilles tendon, looks “outstanding.”

Dobbins, a 2020 second round draft pick of the Ravens out of Ohio State, has struggled to stay healthy during his NFL career. After playing in 15 games and looking like a future star tailback for the Ravens during his rookie campaign, Dobbins has played in eight games total the last three seasons.

He missed all of 2021 after tearing his ACL in the preseason. He missed the first two weeks of the 2022 season before getting injured on Oct. 22, 2022 and going on injured reserve until Dec. 10; he played in seven total games that season. Then, in 2023, he had eight carries in the season opener before getting carted off with what was later revealed to be a torn Achilles.

When healthy and on the field, Dobbins has been a highly effective runner, generally. He averages 5.8 yards per carry on his career and during his only close to full professional season in 2020, he totaled more than 800 rushing yards and had nine touchdowns.

It’s a daunting injury history for the 25-year-old Dobbins, who turns 26 in December. But the running back, with the help of his surgeon, is on the path to get an NFL team to give him another look.

Dobbins could potentially re-sign with Baltimore on a cheap, veteran running back deal, though the staff there might be ready to move on after four years with minimal return. Dobbins is likely to have suitors outside of Baltimore, though, as a 25 year old running back with his ability is not an everyday commodity.

But there’s also a reason that Dobbins, a 25 year old running back who averages 5.8 yards per carry during his career is available as a free agent and not already signed to an extension. Now it’s up to him and ElAttrache to convince at least one franchise he’s got plenty to give them and without a serious risk of further injury.