Jim Harbaugh explains lack of playing time for Gus Edwards

The Los Angeles Chargers replicated the Baltimore Ravens backfield from the last few seasons, signing running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in the offseason. Ironically enough, that's who the Chargers will play in Week 12 on Monday night.

A questionable decision in last week's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals left fans confused. Dobbins has been the lead back, but Edwards has been a solid change-of-pace ballcarrier in certain situations. Edwards had six carries for 27 yards while averaging 4.5 yards per rush before seemingly being pulled early in the third quarter in favor of Dobbins.

Dobbins would finish the game with 11 carries for 56 yards and two touchdowns, including the 29-yard go-ahead score to put the Chargers up with 18 seconds left to play. Take that run away and Dobbins had 10 carries for 27 yards and one touchdown, leaving him with a measly 2.7 yards per rush.

Fans advocated for Edwards to be used more, as he seemed to be getting more positive yardage than Dobbins. Jim Harbaugh made sure to mention that Edwards wasn't pulled due to injury, but for other reasons.

RB Gus Edwards played his final snap last night with 13:23 remaining in the third quarter. Jim Harbaugh said Edwards' lack of snaps in the second half was not injury related. He said RB J.K. Dobbins "was rolling" and "in a great rhythm."
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 18, 2024