In a devastating blow to the Baltimore Ravens, running back J.K. Dobbins tore his Achilles in the season-opening 25-9 victory over the Houston Texans, ending his entire 2023 season. The injury occurred five minutes into the second half when Dobbins caught a short pass and was tackled just two yards shy of the end zone by Texans safety M.J. Stewart. Clearly in pain, Dobbins limped off the field with assistance from trainers and headed to the locker room.
The news of Dobbins’ injury left the Ravens’ locker room shaken. Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. expressed how the injury made his stomach ache, and inside linebacker Patrick Queen fought back tears when discussing Dobbins. Guard Kevin Zeitler emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Dobbins, both in terms of his football skills and his positive personality, calling the situation a gut punch.
Head coach John Harbaugh later confirmed the worst fears, stating that Dobbins had indeed suffered a torn Achilles. This devastating injury comes as a significant setback to the Ravens’ ground game. Dobbins had shown promise as a second-round pick in 2020, with a successful rookie season of 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. However, his 2021 season was cut short due to a torn ACL, limiting him to just eight games in 2022, where he still managed 520 yards and two touchdowns, proving his potential post-injury.
With Dobbins now sidelined, the Ravens’ depth at tailback is further depleted. Justice Hill replaced him in the game, but the team also has Gus Edwards as a backup. The Ravens were already looking to bounce back from a challenging 2022 season marred by injuries, and Dobbins’ injury, coupled with veteran tight end Mark Andrews missing the opener with a quad injury, raises concerns about their ability to stay healthy in the coming season. This setback will undoubtedly test the team’s resilience as they navigate the challenges ahead without their talented running back.
