Los Angeles Chargers Coach Reveals Plans For Running Back Situation

The Los Angeles Chargers brought in a couple of new running backs this offseason, signing former Baltimore Ravens halfbacks Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins.

Not only that, but the Chargers hired a new offensive coordinator in Greg Roman, who coached both backs during his time with the Ravens.

So, which playmaker will get more touches in 2024?

“We don’t overthink that,” Roman told reporters, via the Chargers’ official YouTube account. “They’re both going to play and whoever’s got the hot hand, as I tell them, has got the hot hand. So, we’re going to go with the hot hand. And they know that and they get that. Really nothing scientific.”

Los Angeles lost long-time running back Austin Ekeler to free agency, so the team is entering a new era when it comes to its backfield situation.

Roman is refusing to outline a defined role for either Edwards or Dobbins, saying that he will not “pigeonhole” the two players.

History indicates Gus Edwards will get more touches for the Los Angeles Chargers

While Roman may be entirely forthright in saying that the Chargers are not planning on prioritizing one running back over the other, extenuating circumstances may ultimately determine who gets more burn.

Why? Because Dobbins has an extensive injury history.

Since entering the NFL in 2020, Dobbins has played in a grand total of 24 games. Fifteen of those contests came during his rookie campaign. Do the math. That means Dobbins has appeared in just nine games over the last three seasons.

He missed all of 2021, played in eight games in 2022, and last season, he participated in just one contest before tearing his Achilles.

When healthy, Dobbins is a very productive rusher. He registered 805 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging a terrific six yards per carry in 2020, and he owns a lifetime average of 5.8 yards per attempt.

So, while it would certainly be nice to see what Dobbins can do over the course of another full campaign, it may not be a realistic scenario.

Meanwhile, Edwards has been pretty efficient himself, boasting a career average of 4.9 yards per tote since joining the NFL ranks in 2018. He set career highs in both rushing yards (813) and rushing touchdowns (13) during the 2023 season.

We’ll see how the Los Angeles Chargers approach things in 2024.

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