The Baltimore Ravens may be in need of another ballcarrier after starting running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a reportedly serious knee injury in the team’s preseason finale on Saturday. Although his official diagnosis isn’t in just yet, one possible option to replace the 22-year-old has already emerged.
According to ProFootballTalk, three-time Pro Bowler Todd Gurley will be considered a “name to watch” in the Ravens search to bolster the position, if the Dobbins prognosis is confirmed to be serious. The 27-year-old has been without a team during the preseason, but visited with Baltimore in June, so there is some familiarity on both sides.
Gurley played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020, racking up over 800 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. However, his injury history has left teams hesitant to take a chance on him, despite his stellar play just a few years ago.
Fans and media members around the NFL were fairly split on whether or not the Ravens should pursue Gurley in the coming days. Although Baltimore has a reliable back-up in Gus Edwards, depth at the running back position is crucial, especially for a John Harbaugh team that relies on a steady ground game.
However, some fans pointed out that Gurley might not be the right option due to his dipping production in recent seasons.
With the injury news to JK Dobbins, it is worth noting that the #Ravens brought in free agent RB Todd Gurley for a visit back in June. Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams are currently the top two backs in Baltimore.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 29, 2021
2.2 Yards after contact for Gurley in 2020, and he was primarily an inside runner for Atlanta (91 runs inside vs. 84 off tackle and 21 outside).
More similar to Gus than would be a 1 to 1 JK replacement, but it’s still a signing I’d readily consider. https://t.co/UYmUUb6oPL
— Jake Louque (@jakelouque) August 29, 2021
The Ravens worked out Toddy Gurley a few months ago and didn’t sign him. Le’Veon Bell looked washed last year. Duke Johnson isn’t a good fit. Adrian Peterson is 36.
I understand that it would make sense to bring in another running back, but there might not be one available.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) August 29, 2021
Dobbins replacement is already in house. Ravens doesn’t need to look outside there facility. Sorry Gurley.
— Maurice (@RavensFlockGuy) August 29, 2021
I don’t think the need to go out and get a RB is anywhere near as high as you all think it is
— Banks (@BarstoolBanks) August 29, 2021
Gurley once was one of the most feared ballcarriers in the NFL when he won the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year award. He might not be that same player anymore, but the Ravens would be wise to give him another look if they do lose Dobbins for the rest of the year.
Edwards still projects to be Baltimore’s top running back now, no matter what the team chooses to do. Ty’son Williams is the other main ballcarrier that’s expected to take on a bigger role in Dobbins’ absence.
Time will tell soon enough what the Ravens decide to do at the running back position.
The post NFL World Reacts To The Todd Gurley Speculation appeared first on The Spun.
Leave a Reply