The Los Angeles Chargers are looking forward to lighting up their playoff clash with the Houston Texans, and the spotlight is firmly on running back JK Dobbins. After returning from a knee injury late in the season, Dobbins is now grappling with an ankle issue. Therefore, will he be there to help his team put up a strong front for the NFL Wild Card playoff game?
J.K. Dobbins Might Make a Much-Needed Comeback
Update: Dobbins is officially active and will play against the Texans in the Wild Card round.
Dobbins’ potential absence could alter the dynamics of the Chargers’ offense against a tough Texans defense. Tom Pelissero reported that the running back’s ankle issue has him listed as questionable.
“The Chargers are listing RB J.K. Dobbins (ankle) and WR Quentin Johnston (thigh) as questionable for Saturday’s playoff vs. Houston. WR Josh Palmer (foot) is out.”
The #Chargers are listing RB J.K. Dobbins (ankle) and WR Quentin Johnston (thigh) as questionable for Saturday's playoff vs. Houston. WR Josh Palmer (foot) is out.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 9, 2025
As per the latest updates from CBS Sports, Dobbins showed up with limited participation in the practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. However, he has been instrumental in the Chargers’ success this season.
Over 13 games, he tallied 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, solidifying his role as the team’s primary back. Sharing snaps with Gus Edwards, Dobbins provided explosiveness and consistency while finishing the season with back-to-back impactful performances. He racked up 76 and 63 yards against the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively, helping to secure critical wins that guaranteed the Chargers a playoff spot.
Despite his impressive form, concerns about his durability linger. Dobbins was activated off injured reserve in late November after recovering from a knee sprain and has since faced another hurdle with his ankle. Limited participation in practices earlier this week hinted at caution, but a full session on Thursday offered hope. Still, the team has not confirmed his availability for today’s game.
If Dobbins plays, he’ll face a Texans defense ranked 10th in the league in yards per carry allowed (4.3) and ninth in EPA/Rush. Houston’s ability to contain the run could pressure the Chargers to lean more on their passing attack, led by quarterback Justin Herbert.
In Dobbins’ absence, the Chargers could turn to Gus Edwards, who has proven effective in relief, and Ezekiel Elliott, recently signed for his veteran presence and short-yardage prowess. While Edwards is a capable option, Dobbins’ ability to break tackles and gain critical yards has been a game-changer for Los Angeles throughout the season.
With the Chargers’ playoff hopes dependent on the Wild Card game, having JK Dobbins available would significantly boost their morale and offense. His status will likely remain a game-time decision, making him one of the key players to watch as Los Angeles battles for postseason survival.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans Preview
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS/Paramount+
The Chargers have thrived as road favorites this season, going 5-1 in such games. Their lone loss came against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. Notably, Los Angeles covered the spread in all five of its road-favorite victories.
The Chargers finished fourth in PFN’s Defense+ rankings, largely thanks to their dominance against bottom-half offenses. Los Angeles faced eight teams that ranked in the bottom half of PFN’s Offense+ rankings this season, going 7-1 in those matchups. In those games, the Chargers allowed just 11.9 points per game while achieving a 64.0% defensive success rate.
Justin Herbert ended the regular season on a hot streak. Over his final three games—against the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders—he led the league with 0.47 EPA per dropback. His cumulative QB+ grade during that stretch was 84.2 (B), which, over a full season, would have ranked 11th, just behind Patrick Mahomes.
The Texans’ pass rush could pose significant challenges. A major factor in Houston’s seventh-place finish in PFN’s Defense+ rankings was its ability to convert pressure into sacks.
While the Texans ranked 20th in overall pressure rate (33%), they finished fourth in sack rate (8.1%) and converted 24.7% of pressures into sacks—the fifth-best mark in the league.
Notably, the Chargers led the NFL in points allowed per game against bottom-half Offense+ units this season. The Texans finished 28th in PFN’s Offense+ metric, the lowest ranking of any team to qualify for the playoffs.