The Baltimore Ravens have officially announced that running back JK Dobbins has suffered a torn Achilles and will be out for the remainder of the season. It is heartbreaking news as he was set to become a free agent after the season, and this could significantly alter his career.
This Baltimore offense is going to need to find a replacement for Dobbins’ production on the ground, as he has 234 career carries for 1,347 yards (5.7 yards per attempt) with 12 rushing touchdowns. With Gus Edwards and Justice Hill listed as the only running backs on the roster, there is a sense that the organization will need to look at the free-agent crop of running backs to get another player on the roster.
Let’s take a look at the three best available options for Baltimore to add for another threat in the backfield.
JK Dobbins Injury Replacement #1. Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt, surprisingly, is still a free agent heading into the season, as he can be a good running back in Baltimore’s offense. Hunt finished the 2022 season with the Cleveland Browns as he had 123 rushes for 468 yards (3.8 yards per carry) with three touchdowns. He also has proven to be a solid pass-catcher as he had 35 receptions for 210 yards with a receiving touchdown as well.
Hunt had visited both the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason but did not leave either situation with a contract.
2. Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette has a Super Bowl under his belt and could be an outstanding fit on this roster. He played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and finished with 189 rushes for 668 yards (3.5 yards per attempt) with three rushing touchdowns. Fournette is also arguably the best receiving back in the NFL, as he had 73 receptions for 523 yards (7.2 yards per catch) and three receiving touchdowns.
This Ravens team is a Super Bowl contender and could be a force with Fournette on the roster.
3. Myles Gaskin
Myles Gaskin did not play much in the 2022 season with the Miami Dolphins, as he was held to just four games and had just 10 rushes for 25 yards. However, he could be a cheap option in terms of salary and upside. Expect to see his name floated around as well for a while, but injuries are a concern for him as he played 38 games through his first four seasons.
