Mike Davis or Kenyan Drake: Who Will Lead Ravens' Backfield if J.K. Dobbins Doesn't Play in Week 1?
By Joe Summers
The Baltimore Ravens' murky backfield situation grew even more confusing when Lamar Jackson implied J.K. Dobbins won't be in action for Sunday's Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets.
Lamar Jackson said RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) is getting better day by day.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 7, 2022
“Hopefully, he’ll be out in a couple of weeks,” Jackson said after Wednesday’s practice.
pic.twitter.com/tLCPeEDO9D
If Dobbins does in fact miss the contest, Baltimore will turn to a combination of Mike Davis, Justice Hill, and newly-signed Kenyan Drake. But who would have the edge to lead the Ravens' backfield in rushing?
Mike Davis or Kenyan Drake: Who Will Lead Ravens' Backfield?
Mike Davis
The scales certainly seem tipped in Davis' direction. He was signed early in the offseason and sits above Hill and Drake on Baltimore's depth chart.
#Ravens RB Mike Davis laid the hammer down in pass pro last night. pic.twitter.com/zZgnxMrjz3
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbytrosset) August 12, 2022
At 5'9", 220 pounds, Davis is a wrecking ball with excellent pass-blocking skills. Among players still on Baltimore's roster, Davis led all running backs in carries and yards, looking like he had a firm grasp of the Ravens' offense.
If #Ravens RB Mike Davis is available on your waiver wire, you may want to consider picking him up, especially if J.K. Dobbins can’t go (or will be limited) on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/3NFiaahcTc
— PFN Fantasy Football & Betting (@PFNFantasy) September 5, 2022
After finding success in Carolina and Atlanta the last two years, Davis has an opportunity to carve out a permanent role as a change-of-pace back and pass-blocking maestro behind Lamar Jackson.
Kenyan Drake
Drake has the best pass-catching skills of the Ravens' remaining backs, but still sits fourth on the depth chart behind Dobbins, Davis and Hill.
"@KDx32 is doing a great job picking things up." pic.twitter.com/jeuIjmetaR
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 8, 2022
Nonetheless, the coaching staff seems impressed with Drake. He's only two years removed from rushing for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Arizona Cardinals, so he's achieved more professional success than Davis or Hill to this point.
Lamar doesn't throw to his running backs much, but Drake seems a safe bet to secure a few targets when the situation calls for it.
Verdict
I'm sticking with Mike Davis. He's been around the team longer, got preseason action, and offers the pass-blocking chops the Ravens need to keep Lamar healthy.
I'd expect Drake to see some snaps, but all signs point to Davis leading Baltimore's backfield in the event Dobbins doesn't play.
This backfield situation will be worth monitoring until Sunday though, and stay locked into BetSided for the latest updates and news throughout the next few days.
In the meantime, here's the latest odds for Baltimore's Week 1 matchup against the Jets from FanDuel Sportsbook:
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.