He’s back and making waves.

A year after tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 1, J.K. Dobbins, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, rushed for 135 yards – including stunning runs of 61 and 46 yards, which are the second and third longest of his career – and scored a 12-yard touchdown in a 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

This performance sent a strong message in Week 1, as Dobbins finished with an impressive 13.5 yards per carry and currently ranks third in rushing yards in the league as he heads into the upcoming game against Carolina. Dobbins, 25, has faced his share of hurdles, having not played at all in 2021 due to an ACL injury sustained during preseason while with the Baltimore Ravens.

Go ahead, label him a “Comeback King.” He has shown incredible grit, having participated in only 10 games since his rookie year in 2020.

“Jesus has paved the way for me through everything I’ve gone through,” Dobbins shared with YSL News Sports during a training camp chat. “People talk about my injuries a lot. They’ve been unfortunate, but they weren’t within my control. All I can do is keep fighting back. This new opportunity means that I’m starting afresh, and I believe it’s going to be something special. The tough times are behind me.”

Dobbins, who joined the NFL as a second-round draft pick from Ohio State with the Ravens, has returned to a familiar environment. His former offensive coordinator at Baltimore, Greg Roman, is with the Chargers now, and their new general manager, Joe Hortiz, has spent over 20 years with the Ravens. The assistant GM, Chad Alexander, also has roots in Baltimore. Plus, Gus Edwards, a teammate from his time in Baltimore, is in the Chargers’ backfield with him.

Moreover, he has a special bond with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.

“I have a lot of love for him,” Dobbins said. “I feel connected through family ties, having played for his brother (John). Plus, I’ve faced off against him in the Big Ten. Now being coached by him. he’s a unique guy. He brings joy to the team.”

Spend just a little time with Dobbins, and you can’t help but feel his positive vibes. Harbaugh described his enthusiasm as contagious while working to create a new culture in Los Angeles.

“He has a passion for football,” Harbaugh stated to YSL News Sports. “We’re both joyful on the field.”

Dobbins appears undeterred by the injuries that have interrupted his career.

Do you tire of discussing your injuries?

“I actually enjoy it,” Dobbins said. “It’s part of my story. The guy who suffered an ACL and Achilles injury is still here. Many, if not most, would have stepped away from the game due to injuries. But I’m still standing because I know how to keep fighting.”

Though it’s early in the season, Dobbins might be on track to be a serious candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Observations on Tua Tagovailoa

After Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion in under two years during Thursday’s game, the calls for the Miami Dolphins quarterback to contemplate retirement have intensified, with numerous experts and fans weighing in.

It was certainly alarming to see Tagovailoa collapse in pain after colliding with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the third quarter of a challenging game. Experts caution that individuals with a history of concussions may be more prone to future injuries. Although Tagovailoa did not suffer any concussions during the 2023 season, his 2022 year was marred by at least two possibly three head injuries that fueled retirement discussions.

Now he’s facing new questions just weeks after signing a four-year contract extension with the Dolphins worth $212.4 million, which includes $167.2 million guaranteed.

After the Dolphins’ 30-10 defeat, coach Mike McDaniel didn’t provide a recovery timeline for Tagovailoa, which is understandable since each injury is unique. However, the idea of placing Tagovailoa on injured reserve for four weeks to allow for recovery seems reasonable.

“It’s essential to get a thorough evaluation (on Friday) and take it day by day,” McDaniel explained, noting he might have to rely on backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. “My focus isn’t on the timeline.”

Tagovailoa’s injury didn’t stem from a harsh tackle or a hard hit on the ground; he fell after colliding head-first with Hamlin on the field. Whenever he returns, he must take at least one measure to protect himself: learn to slide to avoid hits.

Home Field Advantage for Visitors?

It felt almost like a home environment for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they kicked off their season in Atlanta. The presence of “Steeler Nation” was so substantial at Mercedes-Benz Stadium that their cheers overshadowed the home crowd.

Pittsburgh made some impressive plays, forcing the Falcons to adopt a silent snap count even while playing at their own stadium.

“Steeler Nation is amazing,” remarked Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt following their 18-10 triumph. “It’s really disheartening for an offense to have to use a silent count in their home arena. It’s remarkable. Truly, we owe a lot of those plays to them.”

Watt, who recorded a sack, three hits on the quarterback, and two tackles for loss, also recovered a fumble in the third quarter when a snap went awry, bouncing off tight end Ross Dwelley as he crossed the formation.

“The fumble I recovered was a result of the silent count,” Watt insisted. “When that happens, along with frequent shifts and motions. it’s not surprising.”

Quick Highlights

It’s undeniably a kicker’s game. First came the introduction of the “dynamic” kickoff, and now it’s a new record to kick off the season. In Week 1, kickers achieved 21 field goals from at least 50 yards, surpassing the previous record of 15 set in Week 3 last season. Their success rate was an impressive 91.3% (21 of 23) . First-round linebacker Jared Verse had a standout performance during his NFL debut against Detroit, becoming the first rookie from the Rams to secure a sack in his debut since Robert Quinn in 2011. The Florida State player also recorded six pressures and two quarterback hits on Jared Goff.