It sounds like Keenan Allen is nearing a return for the Chicago Bears.
Allen has been sidelined since suffering a heel injury during Chicago’s season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans. The injury was never considered serious, but it prevented Allen from playing in the last two games, both of which the Bears lost.
However, the latest news on Allen indicates the star receiver has a realistic chance of playing this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
What’s the Latest Keenan Allen Injury Update?
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport provided an update on Wednesday.
“Good news for the Bears: Veteran WR Keenan Allen, who has missed the last couple games with a heel injury, is back at practice today on a limited basis,” Rapoport wrote on the X platform.
“He’s tracking to return this week if all goes well.”
Good news for the #Bears: Veteran WR Keenan Allen, who has missed the last couple games with a heel injury, is back at practice today on a limited basis. He's tracking to return this week if all goes well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2024
While this is a positive update on Allen, it’s important to note that not all “limited” practice participations are created equally. Some injured players who do nothing during practice other than work out on a rehab field are listed as “limited” on injured reports.
What really matters is whether Allen participates during team drills. We’ll learn more about his status when the Beas release their first Week 4 injury report.
Chicago and Los Angeles are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Potential Fantasy Impact of Allen’s Return to Bears Offense
Even if Allen plays this weekend, fantasy managers should think twice before inserting him into their lineups.
The Bears could limit Allen’s snaps as they ease him back into the offense. And although Allen caught four balls for 29 yards before suffering his injury in Week 1, the jury is out on whether he has good on-field chemistry with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
There will be a time to trust Allen as either a Flex or WR2 play, but it’s not this weekend, regardless of whether Allen plays.
On the other hand, Allen’s return could significantly boost Williams’ stock.
Williams was inconsistent over the first three games, with his penchant for taking sacks behind an awful offensive line limiting his fantasy appeal. However, he took a step forward in Week 3 — throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns — and he could post even better numbers with a star receiver like Allen on the field.
Caleb Williams ID'ing coverage off the CB then immediately firing to the inside shoulder of his TE
>Winding up before TE head is turned
>Delivered inside away from the LBChicago, you have your guy just keep him alive please pic.twitter.com/mBV0dpmKoB
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) September 23, 2024
At the same time, Allen’s presence could reduce target shares for receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. The Bears will obviously be thrilled to have three high-level receivers on the field at the same time, but it could be a different story for fantasy managers.
With all that said, we still don’t know whether Allen will play on Sunday or what his role could be moving forward. Follow Pro Football Network for more updates on Allen and other injured stars as they become available.