Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins looking to continue strong start against Panthers

J.K. Dobbins me a successful return one year after an Achilles injury.

He is looking for more.

Dobbins rushed for 135 yards on 10 carries last weekend, helping Los Angeles Chargers to a 22-10 victory over Las Vegas Raiders. He became first Chargers running back in 17 years to have a pair of runs of at least 46 yards.

But he was frustrated that he was unable to take both of those long plays to end zone, and he is alrey making some changes ahe of Sunday's game against Carolina.

“I've done a few long sprints inste of shorter sprints. Kind of like track practice,” Dobbins said Friday. “I’ve worked hard on my conditioning this week. ... I think I can be way better, you kw? If I get those long runs again, I’m going to take it to crib."

Dobbins played in only one game with Baltimore last year. He tore his Achilles tendon during third quarter of Ravens' opener against Houston. It was second major injury in Dobbins' four years with Baltimore. He tore multiple ligaments in his left knee during 2021 preseason.

multiple injuries during his NFL career haven't dampened Dobbins' enthusiasm. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Dobbins' resolve though multiple rehab stints has impressed him.

“re’s t too many things that are more impressive than when you see somebody that has a season-ending injury, n comes back and is up to that same standard and maybe even a little better. And he did work with a smile on his face,” Harbaugh said. “Anybody you work with or see with a smile on ir face, at least you kw y’re t m at you.”

injuries have t impacted Dobbins' quickness. According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, Dobbins h a top speed of 19.92 mph on his 61-yard run midway during third quarter, which tied him with Philelphia's Saquon Barkley for fastest among running backs in Week 1.

Despite having fifth 100-yard game of his NFL career, Dobbins pointed to many areas of improvement that need to happen for Chargers to get off to ir first 2-0 start since 2012. That includes more consistency in running game as Los Angeles ranked near bottom of league in its success rate in running plays.

“Right after game he was saying ‘I could have done this better.’ That's mindset and kind of place that you've got to have,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who was with Dobbins in his first three seasons in Baltimore.

Chargers fans are also hoping that y see a more consistent running game. Los Angeles ran for a league-high 233 yards in last year's opener, only to aver a league-low 88.1 yards on ground rest of season.

Dobbins has posted back-to-back 100-yard games once, in 2022 with Baltimore. He is trying to become first Chargers back in franchise history to do it in first two games of season.

He will be going up against a Carolina defense that allowed 180 yards rushing, 4.86 yards per carry and two touchdowns on ground in last weekend's 47-10 loss at New Orleans.

TES: Safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful after t practicing all week due to a knee injury. Harbaugh said it is likely Tony Jefferson would be moved up from practice squ to active roster if Gilman is inactive. Linebacker Joey Bosa is questionable after t practicing a second straight day due to back issues. Bosa tied for team le with seven tackles along with a sack and forced fumble last weekend.