Gus Edwards's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Los Angeles Chargers running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were listed as co-starters on the team's first official depth chart, and which back will get more touches has been a mystery all offseason. In a media availability on Thursday, offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggested it could change week-to-week. "We don't overthink that. They're both going to play, and whoever's got the hot hand as I tell them, has got the hot hand," Roman said. "So we're going to go with the hot hand." While both players should be rostered in all 12-plus team leagues, it would be a surprise if Dobbins is effective following an Achilles tear roughly one year ago. Achilles tears have proven to be career-enders for many players, especially at the running back position. However, he's not on the Week 1 injury report, so he could make a surprising comeback. For now, Edwards carries an RB3 outlook into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Dobbins is a risky flex consideration.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their first official depth chart of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday and listed running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as co-starters, with rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins behind them as depth. Both Edwards and Dobbins have operated in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system before in Baltimore. Edwards should handle most of the team's short-yardage, goal-line situations after scoring 13 rushing TDs with the Ravens in 2023. However, Dobbins looked explosive in training camp after coming off two major injuries the last few seasons. Dobbins is the more elusive back in space and could surprise as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in deep PPR leagues if he can stay healthy in 2024. Edwards will be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in his Chargers debut in Week 1 versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards did not register a touch in his first preseason with the team. This was likely due to his veteran status and familiarity with Greg Roman's offensive system. Letting Edwards rest not only preserved his health but also gave additional opportunities to running backs with far less job security. It should be noted that J.K. Dobbins was also held out of the preseason. Both backs are listed jointly at the No. 1 spot on the Chargers' depth chart. There were suspicions a few months ago that Edwards would be the lead back, but it appears to be heading toward more of a true split. Los Angeles may certainly decide to just ride the hot hand in 2024. As long as both are healthy, Dobbins and Edwards are nothing more than RB3/FLEX plays.

Los Angeles Chargers running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins split first-team repetitions at training camp practice on Tuesday. The reps were Edwards' first in a team period since the Chargers signed him in free agency this offseason, as he has been working his way back from an undisclosed injury that required surgery. Rookie sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal has been working with the backups early in camp. As long as Dobbins is able to stay healthy, he figures to be in some sort of timeshare in LA's backfield with Edwards. The 29-year-old Edwards had a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns in 2023 in his final year in Baltimore, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect anything close to that number in 2024 in his first year with the Bolts. Edwards should lead the Bolts backfield in touches this year, but Dobbins is going to be a thorn in his side, making him more of an RB3/flex in fantasy.

After working on the side during June's minicamp, Gus Edwards (undisclosed) was seen working out in full uniform and performing individual drills during training camp on Wednesday along with J.K. Dobbins (Achilles). Edwards was reported to have had an offseason procedure, but it looks like he will increase his work as camp continues. Both Edwards and Dobbins will jockey for touches in a competitive backfield, along with rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Isaiah Spiller. Edwards should have a leg up on the group as an early-down back and also receive goal-line work. At the same time, the team will likely handle Dobbins' Achilles injury recovery more cautiously. It's looking like Edwards is a mid-round value RB3 for fantasy managers in 2024, while Dobbins' status throughout training camp should be closely monitored.