Tag: Gus Edwards

J.K. Dobbins fully healthy, ready to go in first season with Chargers: ‘There’ll be no setbacks’

J.K. Dobbins feels good and is ready to dispel the injury-prone label.

As part of the Chargers’ backfield reconstruction, they brought in J.K. Dobbins, who has battled the injury bug, most recently rupturing his Achilles in Week 1 last season.

But Dobbins feels good and is ready to dispel the always-injured label.

“You got the injury-prone [label] out there, but I think the storm is over with, and I think I’m going to take off now,” Dobbins said. “There’ll be no setbacks, and this injury-prone thing will be gone out the window.”

Injuries have severely limited Dobbins following an eye-popping rookie season in 2020, when he averaged 5.8 yards per carry and totaled over 800 rushing yards. He tore his ACL and LCL and damaged his meniscus in 2021.

In total, he’s played in just nine games in the last three seasons.

“I think people all around know that it’s a high-risk, high-reward type thing,'” he said. “… But I think everyone around the league knows that whenever I am on the field, the numbers don’t lie.”

When Dobbins is on the field, he is a real treat to watch, as he makes picking up yards look effortless with excellent contact balance and lateral quickness.

Dobbins reunites with former Ravens running back Gus Edwards and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

“He sticks with the run, and that’s the identity. You want an offense that has an identity,” Dobbins said. “You don’t want to be looking everywhere else to find your identity. You want to have it. And so I think this offense has that.”

Dobbins believes he is 100% healthy and ready to hit the practice field for training camp but is leaving it in the hands of the training staff.

“I think this organization is a great organization, and the training staff is great, and so they just want what’s best for me, and they’re taking care of me,” Dobbins said. “… But like I said, if it’s up to me, yeah, I’m out there.”

Chargers RB Kimani Vidal lauded as Day 3 pick who could surprise

The Chargers got great value with Kimani Vidal in the sixth round.

The Chargers have made it clear that they will run the ball a lot, which meant bringing in the right group of guys to make it happen.

After signing Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins in free agency, they selected Kimani Vidal in the sixth round.

Despite being drafted late, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes Vidal could surprise this upcoming season.

The Chargers added J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, but I expect Vidal to play a meaningful role almost immediately. He might not be a home run-hitter, but he is the type of running back Jim Harbaugh appreciates — someone who gets the singles and doubles and can be trusted to stay on the field in any situation.

Vidal was Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in 2023 after he rushed for the second-most yards in the FBS (1,661). He left as Troy’s all-time leading rusher with 4,010 yards.

There’s a good chance that a player with that type of production in college will have the opportunity to crack the rotation in Year 1, which is why I expect Vidal to get his.

Vidal will have to fend off Isaiah Spiller. But he has the skillset with the explosiveness, vision, contact balance, lateral agility, and passing game impact to do so and contribute early on.

Where Chargers’ running back room stands after signing of JK Dobbins

Despite the signing of JK Dobbins, the Chargers will likely add another one in the draft.

After the Chargers agreed to terms with running back JK Dobbins yesterday, they now stand at five backs on the active roster.

Gus Edwards was signed early on the first day of the free agency to a two-year contract. With Dobbins on the roster, now two former running backs with experience in the Greg Roman system reunite with him in Los Angeles.

Edwards and Dobbins were highly productive with Roman when healthy in Baltimore. Edwards averaged 5.1 yards per carry on over 300 carries with 11 touchdowns in three seasons. On a little over 200 carries, Dobbins averaged 5.9 yards per carry with the same amount of endzone scores in two seasons after he was drafted in 2020.

The question for both backs, particularly Dobbins, is availability. While the nature of the signing is low risk/high reward, Dobbins has played just nine games in the last three seasons after suffering a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in 2023. Edwards also tore his ACL in 2021 but has played a full slate of games in three of the last five seasons.

2022 fourth-round selection Isaiah Spiller is still on the roster and will presumably have an opportunity to compete for a spot. Spiller has been active for just 15 of his first 34 career games.

He has often been a healthy scratch for reasons that have to do with his special teams impact. Larry Rountree and Elijah Dotson have been active over him in recent seasons due to special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken trusting their contributions in the kicking game more. Under Jim Harbaugh, Ficken will still have his preferences on special teams. Spiller will either have to contribute there or make an impact as a top-two running back in the rotation itself.

Elijah Dotson and Jaret Patterson were signed to a futures deals at the end of the season. Dotson was active in four games last season due to injuries to the running back room and early special teams contributions. Both are more than likely competing for practice squad spots.

A week away from the NFL draft, the Chargers could still opt to add another running back to the roster. LA has hosted Blake Corum and Isaac Guerendo for top-30 visits in Costa Mesa while speaking to several other rushers at the NFL Combine, Senior Bowl, and pro days.

Gus Edwards speaks on why he signed with Chargers

The Chargers want to run the football more efficiently, so part of the process was signing Gus Edwards.

The Chargers want to run the football more efficiently, so part of the process was signing running back Gus Edwards to a two-year deal.

Edwards, who previously played with the Ravens for six seasons, came to Los Angeles alongside his former offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

“I just thought it was a great opportunity,” Edwards said. “The coaching staff they’ve been putting together is incredible. [I’m] real familiar with coach Roman and his game. And I just wanted to be part of it because I already know what his mindset is.”

Edwards played for Roman in 2019, 2020 and 2022. In those seasons, he averaged at least five yards per carry. He is coming off his most productive season as a pro, as he finished with 810 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Jim Harbaugh has made it known that he wants to pound the rock, and Edwards will be crucial in making that happen.

“And same with coach [Jim] Harbaugh, I already know what his mindset is — being a physical team,” Edwards added. “And I just want to be a part of that.”

In the early stages, Edwards noted that Harbaugh has been heavily involved in the action as the Chargers are underway in Phase 1 of the offseason program.

“I know his mentality — he wants to win,” Edwards said. “He’s been very into everything. He’s been in the meeting rooms with us. He hasn’t been staying away from the team. He’s been in the weight room with us. It’s been great to just see his face around.”

Former Ravens RB Gus Edwards switching up jersey number after signing with Chargers

Former Ravens running back Gus Edwards is switching up his jersey number after signing with the Chargers

The Baltimore Ravens’ running back position was a massive question mark entering the 2024 free agency. They had three quality ball carriers as free agents, but not many expected any of them back in the fold.

Baltimore’s leading rusher signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on the first day of free agency on a two-year deal. A few months after the news broke, Los Angeles announced that Edwards would change a severe jersey number, going from No. 35 to No. 4.

Edwards signed as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2018. He was remarkably consistent as a yards-per-carry player and rarely lost yards on his opportunities.

Jersey numbers for Chargers’ free agent signings

Here’s a look at the numbers new players will wear in 2024.

The Chargers signed a few free agents over the course of the past few weeks, and now we know what numbers they will wear.

Here’s a look at the numbers new players will wear in 2024 and number changes for players on the roster.

Gus Edwards: 4

TE Will Dissly: 81

TE Hayden Hurst: 88

LB Troy Dye: 43

C Bradley Bozeman: 75

DL CJ Okoye: 69 (Number change)

Report: Chargers hosted free agent J.K. Dobbins on visit

The Chargers signed Gus Edwards early in free agency, and now they’re eyeing another former Raven as they continue to build the backfield.

The Chargers hosted free agent running back J.K. Dobbins on a visit, according to Cards Wire’s Howard Balzer.

Los Angeles signed Gus Edwards early in free agency, and now they’re eyeing another former Raven as they continue to build the backfield.

Dobbins was a second-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL draft and made early contributions. He finished his rookie season with 925 total yards and nine touchdowns.

The following season, Dobbins was wiped out by a torn ACL. He missed half of the 2022 season with another knee injury.

Dobbins was looking to make a turnaround in 2023, but he sustained a torn Achilles in Week 1.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who repaired Dobbins’ Achilles, recently cleared him for all football activities.

ElAttrache noted that Dobbins looks “outstanding” after his rehab.

Dobbins would be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Chargers. While he’s dealt with a multitude of injuries throughout his pro career, he is still 25 years old, has proven himself when healthy, and is familiar with Greg Roman’s offense.

NFL Power Rankings: Where do the Chargers land after free agency?

With free agency in the rearview, here’s a look at where the Chargers stand in the power rankings after free agency.

NFL free agency has begun to slow down. After the frenzy, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are in decent shape, even after moving away from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. They retained Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and have made a slew of acquisitions, especially to bolster the running game.

Here is what the national media thinks of Los Angeles after free agency and ahead of the draft.

NFL.com: 16

“This is where I’m bracing for impact. No, you haven’t read this placement wrong — and I’m prepared for the worst. When I last ranked the Chargers, the hiring of Jim Harbaugh was still relatively fresh, and their slot at that time (No. 25) was more about 2023 than the future. The more I think about it, the clearer it is to me that the most difference-making move of any team so far this offseason was Harbaugh joining the Bolts. The guy wins. I don’t know how he’ll do that exactly, but he’ll definitely make this team more mentally tough and disciplined in Year 1. Everywhere he’s been, he’s done that. So prepare yourselves for some narrative-breaking. The Chargers have weathered a tough salary-trimming period, but they came out of it in decent enough shape. And very quietly, they’ve added some Harbaugh-ish signings (Gus Edwards, Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst) to beef up his run game and versatility. Sleep on them at your own peril.”

Sporting News: 16

“The Chargers’ offensive transition to be run-heavy and more efficient with Justin Herbert is in full swing under Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman. They wisely chose to preserve defense (Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa) over offense (Keenan Allen, Mike Williams).”

Pro Football Network: 17

“What a weird offseason for the Chargers. Still riding high from the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, Chargers fans got a reality check when the franchise released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen in a pair of cost-cutting moves.”

For The Win: 27

“2024 is a gap year while Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz untangle the mess left behind by the previous regime. An untenable cap situation meant Los Angeles not only had to mostly sit out the start of free agency but also had to say goodbye to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Oh well. Biting the financial bullet now should ensure a more fruitful future for Justin Herbert.”

The Athletic: 26

“Jim Harbaugh’s first offseason with the Chargers involved cutting a lot of salary, which is why Allen and Williams are gone and Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack restructured their contracts. Edwards is an interesting addition and plays the power back role Harbaugh prefers better than Ekeler, but the exits outweigh the entrances on the roster so far, and Harbaugh’s first year might not be stellar.”

Joe Hortiz speaks on Chargers’ free agency additions with ties to Ravens

Almost half of the free agents the Chargers added to their roster for the 2024 season have come from the Ravens.

Almost half of the free agents the Chargers added to their roster for the 2024 season have come from the Ravens. General manager Joe Hortiz recruited running back Gus Edwards, center Bradley Bozeman, and tight end Hayden Hurst, all of whom played under him during his tenure with Baltimore. 

“All three of those guys, I know what we’re getting with them,” Hortiz said.

They were inevitably ‘a natural fit,’ according to Hortiz. 

Edwards is slated to be the Bolts’ top running back. He’s a physical addition to the offense. In 2023, he ran for 810 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. 

“I think specifically with Gus, l’ve seen him deal with the adversity of the [ACL] injury two years ago and come back from it,” Hortiz said. “Grind, be physical, continue to play the same brand of football he’s always played. Really excited to have him.

“He’s the bell cow, the goal line [guy], the finisher,” Hortiz added. “The right mentality for what we’re looking to do here. I told you we wanted to be bigger, play a physical style of football on both sides of the ball and he helps us do that.”

The connections to the Ravens continue with the Chargers acquiring Hurst and Bozeman who were part of the same 2018 draft class in Baltimore.

“Bradley and Hayden are the same way [as Edwards],” Hortiz said. “I do my best to get to know the players and those are two I knew pretty well from my time in Baltimore.

“Feel very fortunate that the situation presented itself to get both those guys,” Hortiz added. “You get two quality players that know our scheme, that fit our scheme and that fit the mentality.”

Former Scarlet Knight Gus Edwards signed a two-year deal with the LA Chargers

On Monday, former Rutgers running back Gus Edwards signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

On Monday, former Rutgers running back Gus Edwards signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. After playing five seasons with John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens, Edwards will join John’s brother Jim on the West Coast in 2024.

Edwards started his career at Miami before transferring in 2017 for his final season of eligibility. He was a standout at Rutgers, earning All-Big Ten honors in his lone season with the program.

The report has Edwards signing a two-year deal with the Chargers.

Also, the former-Scarlet Knight will be reunited with former Ravens and current Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman in Los Angeles. Edwards should transition easily to the Chargers’ offense under Roman, who held the same position in Baltimore from 2019-2022.

With former Charger running back Austin Ekeler signing a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders, Edwards can finally have the chance to be a lead back in the NFL.

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In the past five seasons with the Ravens, Edwards has recorded 699 carries for 3,395 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Also, the 6-foot-1, 238-pound running back added 30 receptions for 374 yards through the air.

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Edwards appeared in 69 games for Baltimore with his best season coming in 2023. Last season, the former Scarlet Knight logged 198 carries for 810 yards and 13 touchdowns in 17 games, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt.