Chargers update rookie jersey numbers and hint at big roster move, too

The Los Angeles Chargers keep drip-feeding little surprise reveals via small news items.

First, it was the Chargers pulling back the proverbial curtain on jersey numbers for the 2025 rookie class. There, the fate of a possible Keenan Allen return seemed to be decided.

Then, it was slapping a rare unrestricted free agent tender on running back J.K. Dobbins, opening the door for a return.

And now? The Chargers just revised the list of rookie jersey numbers to take Dobbins’ No. 27 off incoming first-year defensive back R.J. Mickens, shifting him to the No. 41.

Just like that, Dobbins’ jersey numbers is freed up for him to reclaim.

It won’t take too long for Chargers fans to find out what happens from here. If Dobbins hasn’t signed with another team by the start of training camp, they’ll have exclusive negotiating rights with him.

Granted, the Chargers making this jersey number change doesn’t guarantee something happens one way or the other. But it does keep the door open for Dobbins to rejoin a depth chart that now features Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton, potentially giving the Chargers the best running back room in the NFL.

updated rookie numbers https://t.co/IOYf7OKWRb pic.twitter.com/YhedWgjSVT
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 1, 2025

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