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Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins had his 2021 season end before it even began. The former second-round pick out of Ohio State burst onto the scene during his rookie year in 2020, but tore his ACL during the first quarter of Baltimore’s preseason finale last August.
It was a huge blow to the team, but Dobbins did not suffer any damage to his MCL or PCL. That was a big positive.
Now, as the Ravens’ 2022 season gets underway with veterans set to report to training camp on July 26th, there are questions about Dobbins’ health. At least, that’s what Ian Rapoport said on Monday.
The NFL insider said that while Dobbins’ recovery remains on track without setbacks, the team does not plan to rush him back and his availability for Week 1 is in question.
From NFL Now: #Ravens RB JK Dobbins is no sure thing for Week 1. He hasn’t had any setbacks. But his knee injury was a serious one, and Baltimore has no incentive to rush him back. They protected themselves with veteran Mike Davis, regardless. pic.twitter.com/j5xi6dYabU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 18, 2022
This is a little bit of a surprise. Where a torn ACL used to be a death wish, particularly for running backs, modern medicine and technology has changed that.
Players are able to come back from a torn ACL, in some cases, in an offseason.
Dobbins has more than a full year to recover before the regular season begins. And his account of how his recovery is progressing is different from Rapoport’s.
The 23-year-old called him out shortly after the report went live. Dobbins wants Rapoport to come through him moving forward.
Okay I’m tired of being quiet… come to me for your source @RapSheet because I might not even go on PUP because that’s how good my rehab is going and I’m damn sure going to be ready for week 1. https://t.co/gH2TqCFLM4
— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) July 18, 2022
Dobbins said that he is done being quiet and that was certainly the case on Monday. He unloaded the chamber in a string of tweets stemming from Rapoport’s report.
Just know I been working… I been quiet for a reason. I thrive best when I face adversity….go check my resume.
— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) July 18, 2022
The work jesus does with me you and who ever is doubting me could never understand it
— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) July 18, 2022
I would post videos but I want all you fake a** doctors and people who have never spoken a word to me to see what me and Jesus been up to on the biggest stage.
— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) July 18, 2022
Following the exchange on Twitter, Pat McAfee had Rapoport on his show to discuss. It was an absolutely hilarious exchange that ended with Rapoport vehemently defending his source.
.@Jkdobbins22 just DUNKED on you @RapSheet#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5YDs5tNRF6
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 18, 2022
Baltimore opens the 2022 season in New York against the Jets on September 11th. Dobbins seems adamant that he will be on the field.
Who will be right?! Time will tell.