Update: Dobbins is in fact out for the year with a torn ACL, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly bracing for the worst after presumed starting running back J.K. Dobbins exited Saturday's preseason game against the Washington Football Team with a knee injury.
The team's "initial fear" is that Dobbins suffered a torn knee ligament which will require season-ending surgery, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
An MRI was scheduled for Sunday, Rapoport added, at which time the team should have a clearer idea of the extent of the injury and Dobbins' long-term outlook.
The second-year back limped off FedEx Field in Washington with a heavy assist from team trainers after he went down awkwardly when he was sandwiched between two pursuing defenders on a screen pass to the left side. On the sideline, he was loaded onto a cart and wheeled into the locker room.
The former Ohio State standout, 22, was taken by the Ravens in the second round of last year's draft. He flashed major potential as a ballcarrier in a part-time role as a rookie, racking up 805 yards and 9 touchdowns on 134 attempts in 15 games, good for an average 6.0 yards per attempt. He also caught 18 passes for 120 yards.
This season, Dobbins was again expected to share the bulk of backfield duties with bruising back Gus Edwards, in what would have been a formidable rushing trio along with 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson. His loss could be a game-changer in the rugged AFC North, which sent three teams to the playoffs a year ago.
Further down the Ravens' running-back depth chart are third-year man Justice Hill and rookie Ty'Son Williams.
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