Is JK Dobbins playing in Week 1? Fantasy injury update for Jets-Ravens

Matt Lutovsky

Is JK Dobbins playing in Week 1? Fantasy injury update for Jets-Ravens image

It's been a long year for JK Dobbins as he works to get back from an ACL tear, and with his status for the Ravens' Week 1 matchup against the Jets still up in the air, it's going to be a long Sunday morning for his fantasy football owners. Dobbins is officially "questionable" for the season opener, and his active/inactive status will certainly affect Week 1 RB rankings and start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Knowing the latest injury updates -- and whether Kenyan Drake or Mike Davis is worth playing in Dobbins' stead -- will be important ahead of one of your first lineup calls of the season.  

We'll continue to update this article with news on Dobbins up until the official active/inactive report comes out on Sunday around 11:35 a.m. ET.

WEEK 1 INJURY UPDATES:
Wide Receivers | Tight ends | Godwin | Walker

Is JK Dobbins playing Week 1? 

UPDATE: ESPN's Dianna Russini reported Sunday morning that Dobbins is "unlikely" to play against New York, but she added that he is "going to try" and will likely be on the field during warmups.

UPDATE 2: Russini reported later Sunday morning that the Ravens have decided that Dobbins will be OUT for Week 1.

UPDATE 3: Dobbins is officially OUT.

Dobbins has been working to get back from an ACL tear suffered last preseason. He has remained steadfast all offseason that he would be back in Week 1, but after a week of limited practices, Dobbins is officially "questionable" for the Ravens' opener against the Jets.

WEEK 1 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker

At various times the past couple weeks, Dobbins' outlook has gone from bleak to more optimistic. However, it might be easiest for fantasy owners if he's just declared inactive. In that case, Kenyan Drake and Mike Davis would split RB snaps, with Drake expected to carry slightly more value. Both can be viewed as flexes given how little we know about the situation, but one thing we do know is that the Ravens like to run a lot.

WEEK 1 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker

If Dobbins plays, it's anyone's guess as to how many snaps he'll actually get. We tend to think that if a team activates an important vet like Dobbins in Week 1, then there won't be as many restrictions as anticipated. There's no reason to risk his health if he can't go 100 percent in a game. In that case, we still like Dobbins has a high-end flex, as he remains likely to see 10-plus touches and, presumably, goal-line carries. Given the favorable matchup, that could yield a solid day.

Ultimately, the Ravens' backfield is a risk no matter what happens. We wouldn't blame you for just washing your hands of the situation and evaluating again in Week 2. Dobbins still has a bright outlook the rest of the season, but he seems destined to disappoint one way or another in Week 1.

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.