The New England Patriots face a formidable challenge with the Los Angeles Chargers coming to town Saturday afternoon.
Quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Greg Roman will welcome back running back J.K. Dobbins after his midseason stint on IR, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
The Patriots face one of the league’s more impactful rushers who lost progress after a knee sprain. Dobbins rushed for 766 yards and eight touchdowns through 11 games as Los Angeles established an identity through their running-driven coordinator and first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh.
That should boost a struggling Chargers ground game against New England’s 24th-ranked rush defense that’s taken a step back after Bill Belichick’s departure last offseason. The Patriots did have some defensive pride a week ago when they prevented the Buffalo Bills from becoming the first team in NFL history to score 30 or more points in nine straight games.
The Patriots and Chargers kick off from Gillette Stadium at 1 p.m. ET Saturday.
