Injury roundup: Chargers WR Keenan Allen expected to play without restrictions Sunday at Packers
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (shoulder) is expected to play without restrictions Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported, per a source.
Allen has since been declared active by the team on Sunday morning.
Allen suffered an AC joint sprain in last week’s 41-38 shootout loss to the Lions, a game in which he exploded for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions.
He progressed in practice each day this week, going from sitting out Wednesday and being limited Thursday, to fully participating on Friday before receiving a questionable designation.
The 31-year-old is enjoying a career year in his 11th season with the Chargers. He’s on pace to set new personal bests across the board with 73 receptions, 895 yards and six touchdowns through nine games. More importantly, he’s the last of Justin Herbert‘s three top WRs from the start of the season that remains available.
With Mike Williams out for the season due to an ACL tear and Josh Palmer on injured reserve with a knee injury of his own, Allen’s presence becomes even more vital for a 4-5 Chargers team trying to mount a run to the playoffs.
Los Angeles won’t go into Lambeau Field entirely without hurdles, though.
WR Jalen Guyton, who suffered a groin injury in practice Friday, is expected to be inactive, per Pelissero. The team has since announced the news.
In Guyton’s absence, rookie Quentin Johnston will serve as the primary target opposite Allen.
The Chargers and Packers (3-6) kick off at 1 p.m. ET.
Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday’s Week 11 games:
- Houston Texans running back D’Onta Foreman (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Lions, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. Foreman is officially active.
- Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (concussion) is expected to play Sunday night against the Broncos, Rapoport and Pelissero reported, per sources.
- New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) is eying a mid-December return, with Week 16 (Dec. 24 vs. Commanders) being the most likely timeframe, Rapoport reported on NFL GameDay Morning. Rapoport adds that if Rodgers can protect himself and if New York remains in the playoff hunt, the veteran QB’s quick return is viable. Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (elbow) will play Sunday against the Bills, Rapoport reported, per a source.
- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (hamstring) will go through a pregame workout, but there is optimism he plays Sunday against the Rams, Rapoport reported, per sources.