San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs off the field after a win against the Indianapolis Colts at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Chargers rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen has been one of the most impressive rookies in this year’s draft class, and he has emerged as the Chargers clear-cut, No. 1 option in the passing game. That’s something Philip Rivers needed, and it looks like Allen has a great career ahead of him. His impact on this offense was seen in the loss to the Miami Dolphins, as Rivers and the Chargers offense had a tougher time moving the ball without their top receiver on the field. Allen left early in the fourth quarter with a right knee injury that was deemed as minor (some stated that it was a hyper-extension), and the Chargers have downplayed the injury since.
Chargers head coach Mike McCoy has been nothing other than positive when describing Allen’s injury to the press, and he took things a step further by stating that Keenan Allen will play in next week’s game. He said, via ESPN NFL Nation’s Eric D. Williams, “He’s fine. He’ll be playing, which is great.”
Allen had three receptions for 45 yards against the Dolphins, and he’ll need to have significantly bigger numbers than that when the Chargers take on the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs next week. The Cal product will need to be as quick as ever in and out of his cuts, because he needs to get open quickly in order to give Rivers a chance behind that line against the Chiefs terrific pass rush. Allen figures to be covered by Chiefs star CB Brandon Flowers next week, and that’s definitely a key matchup to watch for. It’s great to hear that Allen will play next week, because it’s a big game for the Chargers and a game they definitely need Allen to be healthy for.