This offseason, the Chicago Bears spent a 2024 fourth-round draft pick on veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. However, the fruits of that trade haven’t blossomed quite yet.
Allen missed all of Week 2, including all four practices and the game, due to a heel injury that occurred in training camp. He begins this week similarly to last, missing Wednesday’s practice as a non-participant.
Will Keenan Allen Play in Week 3 vs. the Indianapolis Colts?
Per the team, the Bears list WR Keenan Allen as “OUT” for Sunday’s game against the Colts with a heel injury.
Last week, Allen missed every practice heading into Sunday night. Head coach Matt Eberflus said Allen and Rome Odunze would be evaluated up until Sunday night’s game. And while Odunze did suit up, Allen remained in street clothes on the sideline.
This week, with more rest for the 12th-year veteran receiver, the Bears were cautious, but he did not respond as hoped.
“We’re obviously wanting [Allen] back as fast as possible, but it has to be right for him,” Eberflus said on Wednesday.
As the Bears’ offense remains lackluster through two weeks of the season, the team continues to monitor Allen’s health very closely.
With Allen’s heel not at 100%, the Bears opted to keep him out of the lineup for a second straight week.
Should You Start Keenan Allen in Fantasy Lineups?
This is now an easy call for fantasy managers.
Allen missed last week, and after being a non-participant in practice, he was ruled out on Friday. The extra time to recover should aid his potential availability for Week 4.
Allen has been dealing with this heel injury since training camp, per Eberflus last week, so it could be a more serious injury, considering how long it’s taking to heal fully.
The vet Keenan Allen coaching up the rookie Caleb Williams 🐻 pic.twitter.com/aNolpgZfLw
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
Entering his 12th season, it’s safe to say Allen’s body isn’t the same as it was in his rookie year. As a veteran, less severe injuries can take longer to heal, and it appears this is the case with Allen.
Who Are the Other Fantasy Options To Consider on Bears?
Last week, there was an idea that Tyler Scott could be the next receiver up. However, after the conclusion of Sunday Night Football, it was apparent that Chicago was ready to utilize DeAndre Carter as the next man up.
In Week 2, Carter saw 50 offensive snaps (71%), while Scott joined the offense for just three plays (4%).
Carter ranked fifth on the team in targets (four) on Sunday night, totaling three catches for 32 yards.
However, following Odunze’s five targets last week, he could be the play as the Bears’ second receiver if his health remains in the green.
Other than Carter and Odunze, there’s a possibility that tight end Cole Kmet will be utilized more in Week 3.
But, after the first two weeks, it’s uncertain how much OC Shane Waldron will use the 25-year-old tight end this season.