Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins activated off PUP list, returns to practice ‘100% healthy’ and ‘ready to go’

Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins is finally back at practice.

After missing the first 2 1/2 weeks of training camp, Dobbins was activated off the physicallyunable to perform list Monday. He participated in individual drills as well as team drills, which were held mostly at a walk-through pace, and looked comfortable accelerating and cutting.

Dobbins’ injury was never specified, and coach John Harbaugh said after practice Monday that the timing of his return “just worked out for whatever reasons it worked out.” Dobbins, who’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, has four weeks to prepare for the Ravens’ Sept. 10 season opener against the Houston Texans.

“It feels good to have him back there on the field,” Harbaugh said. “He’s excited. We’re all excited. We’ll probably ramp him up a little bit this week and kind of work him in there and try to be smart in how we do it. But he’ll be fine. He’s 100% healthy. He looks good. He’s been training hard, so he’s ready to go.”

Harbaugh had said last week that he expected Dobbins, who also missed mandatory minicamp over an apparent unhappiness with his contract situation, to return “soon.”

“The ball is in J.K.’s court,” Harbaugh said Tuesday. “We have talked. We talked again yesterday. We had a great conversation. I do expect him back very soon, but I don’t have anything to say about it. It’s up to J.K.”

Dobbins was one of the Ravens’ top performers after returning from arthroscopic knee surgery last year, rushing for 459 yards and 6.6 yards per carry in five games, including the postseason. He rejoins a crowded running back room coming off an impressive performance in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon III and undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell combined for 19 carries and 96 yards, along with three catches for 25 yards in the 20-19 win.

With Dobbins activated, outside linebacker Tyus Bowser is the team’s only projected contributor who has yet to be cleared to practice. He remains on the non-football injury list with a knee injury.

ESPN first reported Dobbins’ return.

jonas.shaffer@thebaltimorebanner.com