After two weeks of nursing a heel injury on the sidelines, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has finally made his return to the practice field for the Chicago Bears. Allen participated in a limited capacity during the team’s September 25 practice, marking the first time in nearly three weeks that he has been able to suit up for practice.
The 32-year-old wideout has been dealing with a nagging heel injury since August 24, but his struggles go back further. He initially suffered the injury toward the end of the 2023 season, missing the last four games of the Los Angeles Chargers’ campaign. While Allen managed to power through the injury for the Bears’ Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, recording four catches for 29 yards, he has been sidelined ever since.
Now, Allen’s return could give the Bears a much-needed boost as they prepare for their Week 4 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams on September 29. Chicago’s offense has struggled without Allen, leaning on return specialist and former Chargers teammate DeAndre Carter to fill the void. However, Allen’s six Pro Bowl selections and over 10,500 career receiving yards could be exactly what the Bears need to reignite their offense.
The Bears will monitor Allen closely over the next two practices to determine if he’ll be ready to play against the Rams. Head coach Matt Eberflus has indicated that Allen’s availability will depend largely on his pain tolerance, so his status may be a game-time decision.
Caleb Williams Excited About Allen’s Return
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is eager to see Allen back on the field. While Allen’s presence has been felt from a mentorship standpoint, Williams is looking forward to utilizing the veteran’s skill set in live-game action.
“His special talent of getting open in a phone booth is gonna be great for us,” Williams said after Wednesday’s practice, according to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain.
The Bears traded a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Chargers in exchange for Allen back in March, hoping his veteran presence and leadership could help Williams transition smoothly into the NFL. Although Allen has been instrumental in providing guidance to the rookie, his impact will be even greater once he’s back making plays on the field.
Bears’ Lengthy Injury Report Heading into Week 4
While Allen’s return is a positive sign for the Bears, they still face a slew of other injury concerns. Nine other players were listed on the team’s Week 4 injury report, adding to the team’s challenges ahead of the matchup with the Rams.
Among those missing from Wednesday’s practice were cornerback Terell Smith (hip), defensive end Darrell Taylor (illness), defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin), and right tackle Darnell Wright (back). Eberflus labeled Wright as “day-to-day,” while Smith’s hip injury has lingered since he was knocked out of the Bears’ Week 3 loss.
In addition, five players were limited participants in practice, including defensive end Montez Sweat (elbow), defensive tackle Andrew Billings (knee), fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee), left tackle Braxton Jones (knee), and right guard Nate Davis (groin).
With so many key players battling injuries, the Bears will be hoping for positive developments throughout the week. But getting Keenan Allen back on the field would undoubtedly be a step in the right direction as they look to improve their 1-2 record.
