Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen is on track to make his Chicago Bears debut in the 2024 NFL season opener against the Tennessee Titans after dealing with a minor foot injury. According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Allen returned to practice on September 2 after missing time due to discomfort in his foot. The injury, sustained during the August 24 practice, had briefly sidelined the six-time Pro Bowler, but Bears general manager Ryan Poles alleviated concerns about his availability for Week 1.
Poles attributed Allen’s foot issue to a “cleat problem” and expressed confidence that it would not hinder him from taking the field against the Titans. Allen is expected to play a pivotal role in the Bears’ passing game this season after being acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Chargers during the offseason.
The Bears traded a 2024 fourth-round pick to bring in the experienced wideout, hoping his prowess as a route-runner and proven production will benefit rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Allen, who is coming off a 2023 campaign where he notched 108 receptions in just 13 games, is poised to add veteran leadership and depth to a receiving corps that includes D.J. Moore, Tyler Scott, and promising rookie Rome Odunze.
While Allen’s injury status will be further clarified when the Bears release their Week 1 injury report on September 4, his presence in practice is an encouraging sign. The Bears’ offensive outlook for the season hinges heavily on Allen staying healthy, as his veteran expertise is viewed as a key asset in helping Williams acclimate to the NFL.
The bigger question for Chicago is whether Allen will remain in their long-term plans. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Poles has not yet shown urgency in negotiating an extension. However, should Allen have a strong year, the Bears could be incentivized to lock him up beyond 2024. Balancing his future with the development of rookie Odunze will be a challenge for the Bears as they assess the financial impact of committing to multiple high-profile receivers.
For now, though, the focus is on the season opener and ensuring Allen is fully healthy and ready to contribute to what could be a pivotal season for the Bears’ offense.
