Baltimore’s RB1 disgruntled about preseason injury
On Saturday afternoon, Baltimore Ravens running back JK Dobbins suffered a season-ending injury that left officials carting him off the field in the preseason game versus the Washington Football Team. His left knee was hit by Washington’s CB Jimmy Moreland. Not even a quarter into the game, Dobbins was injured.
FedEx field, home of the Washington Football Team, is notorious for leaving NFL players with significant injuries. Coincidentally, that was the site of this particular preseason game. Maybe it has nothing to do with the field itself, but the number of notable injuries that have occurred here (recently too) is a little suspicious. Joe Burrow’s torn ACL and Kyle Allen’s dislocated ankle last season, Alex Smith’s broken leg that left him fighting for his life back in 2018, and RG3’s torn ACL and Meniscus that left him never the same in 2013. All of these memorable injuries happened to quarterbacks, but Dobbins’s injury definitely will be added to the list. Many players have commented on the lack of quality at FedEx field. Perhaps this would inspire coaches to be more careful with what players they choose to play here, especially in a meaningless preseason game.
Preseason games carry no relevance in the regular season record, and most coaches use them as a chance to play the rookies and figure out the depth chart. Starters typically don’t play very much, mostly to avoid unnecessary injuries like this one. Dobbins appeared to agree, liking a tweet on Saturday evening that NFL Network reporter Taylor Bisciotti wrote.
Dobbins has a right to be upset — his season just ended over a meaningless game. Running backs have considerably shorter careers than most players; because of the physical wear and tear the position takes. Dobbins was a crucial part of Baltimore’s backfield, and the team is definitely going to hurt from his absence.
Some fans think coach John Harbaugh is to blame for the injury. The Ravens haven’t lost a preseason game in 20 games now, dating back to 2015. (Currently, this is the longest known preseason winning streak). These fans believe Harbaugh was more focused on keeping this meaningless streak alive instead of protecting the needs of his players, especially those as important as JK Dobbins. While Harbaugh likely didn’t intend for his RB1 to tear his ACL, he possibly could’ve let the meaningless preseason streak cloud his judgement.
On the fantasy football and sports betting side of things, many fans are wildly upset at the injury. Dobbins was predicted to have a huge breakout season this year, but his injury leaves fantasy football owners scrambling to pick up a mediocre running back to replace him. Dobbins will most likely recover in full; he’s been known to be a very tough player. It may be an inconvenience to bettors and fantasy owners this year, but his extensive time to rest will give him a great chance to have that big breakout season next year.
All fans can hope for now is that JK Dobbins will make a speedy recovery and be back in time for next season.
