The Chicago Bears were so excited when they managed to land Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he could give their passing game some much-needed credibility. Things were looking great all summer. Allen was giving the defense fits with his usual route-running supremacy. Then, as has become routine for the Bears these days, an injury derailed everything. Allen injured the heel in his foot. He tried playing through it in the opener, but things haven't improved.
That is why the Bears sat him last week, giving him the Texans game off. It was hoped the rest might let the issue settle down. Fast-forward to Friday's injury report, and it doesn't appear that has been the case. Allen again missed every practice and was declared out for the game in Indianapolis. The Bears must forge ahead with D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze as their two primary receivers.
Keenan Allen is quickly losing any leverage he may have had.
It wasn't a secret he wanted a new contract after his productive 2023 season. However, the Bears weren't ready to negotiate anything. The primary reason is exactly this situation. Keenan Allen was starting to develop a reputation over the past couple of years for not staying healthy. He missed five games last season alone. Chicago couldn't afford to sink big money into a player who is in his 30s and has declining health credibility. If anything, this development makes their decision to draft Odunze look even smarter. They likely anticipated this could happen. The good news, according to Matt Eberflus, is that there has been some improvement. He just isn't quite ready to return yet. That suggests he should be back next week against the Rams.
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