J.K.Dobbins

News: 15 hours agoThe Chargers are opening Dobbins' (knee) 21-day practice window Monday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Spin: Dobbins has been on injured reserve since Nov. 30, and he's since missed the required four games. It's not yet clear if the veteran running back will be able to suit up Saturday against New England, and Los Angeles would need to first activate him in order for him to return to the field. Dobbins' level of participation in practice this week should shed some light on the chance of that happening. Gus Edwards has been working as the Chargers' lead back in Dobbins' absence, and though Edwards has largely struggled in the role, he did break through for 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries last Thursday versus Denver.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Dobbins is another piece brought to Los Angeles as the Chargers assembled a sort of "Ravens West." Dobbins should compete with Gus Edwards, Isaiah Spiller and rookie Kimani Vidal in what's sure to be a heavily utilized running back corps. Dobbins is the ultimate risk/reward pickup. In 13 career games with double-digit carries, his 6.2 YPC and nine rushing touchdowns underscore his upside, but his 43 absences in 67 NFL contests serve as a reminder of his propensity for injury. Dobbins did his best work in Baltimore under Greg Roman, the offensive coordinator with whom he is now reunited, so monitor Dobbins' preseason and be prepared to pounce on him as a late-round value pick if he's looking good.