Ravens FA J.K. Dobbins Cleared for Football Activities Amid Achilles Injury Rehab

J.K. Dobbins is reportedly ready to return to the field.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that Dobbins, who tore his Achilles in the season opener for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, was cleared to return to football activities and will take free agency visits in the near future.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache wrote a letter to teams that said the running back looks "outstanding" in his recovery from the setback.

Injuries have long been a concern for the Ohio State product, who missed the entire 2021 season because of a knee injury and was limited to just eight games in 2022.

The 2020 second-round draft pick has proven to be explosive when healthy with 13 total touchdowns in 24 games and a 5.8 yards per carry average. He seemed well on his way to becoming an offensive cornerstone in Baltimore when he ran for 805 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, but health issues have largely derailed his career since.

While it remains to be fully seen how much interest he will generate as a free agent given his previous injuries, Dobbins is still just 25 years old and could be a low-risk addition.

A team needing depth at the running back position could add him on what will likely be a team-friendly deal because of the health worries and play him as part of a rotation in 2024 and possibly beyond.

That team likely won't be the Ravens, though, seeing how they added Derrick Henry this offseason.

Henry is one of the best running backs of his generation and is expected to be the workhorse for his new team after leading the league in rushing attempts in four of the last five seasons.

Baltimore also has Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill to provide depth on the roster and often relies on quarterback Lamar Jackson for rushing attempts.

Still, whichever team signs Dobbins could be getting a low-risk, high-reward playmaker who has apparently recovered nicely from his most recent setback.