Chicago’s Lake Forest — Due to a heel injury, wide receiver Keenan Allen will miss the Bears’ next two games.
Since the Friday before the season opener versus the Tennessee Titans, Allen has not participated in any practices. In the Bears’ victory over the Titans, Allen reinjured his heel ailment, and he was sidelined for the team’s Week 2 defeat to the Houston Texans.
Although Allen’s heel seemed to heal with rest, the Bears are not yet ready for the seasoned receiver to return to the field. Allen will not be going to Indianapolis with the squad due to personal circumstances.
Matt Eberflus, the head coach, stated that although Allen’s “speed” and heel are improving, he is not yet there.
For Sunday’s game against the Colts, defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, fullback Khari Blasingame, and running back Travis Homer are all out.
Homer had a finger injury, therefore the Bears placed him on injured reserve.
Nate Davis, the offensive guard, re-injured his groin throughout the week, and he is doubtful to play on Sunday. If Davis is unable to play, veteran Matt Pryor will step in at right guard.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will once again be without his top target for the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts, which could make it harder for him to bounce back after a rough Week 2 Sunday Night Football showing. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen will miss the game due to a heel injury.
As a rookie quarterback trying to make his mark in the NFL, Williams could benefit from the experience of a six-time Pro Bowler like Allen, even if he’s no longer at his peak. Allen’s presence could also provide much-needed stability for an offense that has struggled for consistency.
However, to have that impact, Allen needs to stay healthy. Throughout his 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, injuries often kept him off the field, and now in his first season with the Bears, his health remains a concern. Allen was sorely missed in last Sunday’s 19-13 loss to the Houston Texans after exiting the previous week’s thrilling comeback win over the Tennessee Titans.
The Bears had planned to heavily involve Allen in their offense this season. In the opener, he had four catches for just 29 yards but was targeted 11 times, showing how much Williams relies on him. As Williams looks to succeed against the Colts, he’ll need to quickly build chemistry with rookies Rome Odunze and DJ Moore.
Williams is still searching for his first NFL passing touchdown, just like fellow rookies Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix. With the potential of Moore and Odunze, along with better protection from the offensive line, he hopes to clear that hurdle in Indianapolis.
Even though Allen is sidelined, he might still offer guidance to Williams and the Bears during Week 3. Chicago faces off against the Colts on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium.
