The Chargers will have both members of their one-two WR punch available today. Keenan Allen will return after missing the last six contests with a hamstring injury.
The ailment was initially believed not to be particularly serious, and the 30-year-old suggested he could be ready to play on a short week in the aftermath of the Chargers’ Week 1 win. Allen posted 66 yards on four catches in that game, once again operating as the dependable pass-catcher he has established himself as throughout his career.
However, his rehab attempts were unsuccessful at first. Allen acknowledged last week that he pushed the hamstring too hard, which led to a setback. In his absence, the Chargers have still been plenty effective through the air; the team ranks fifth in the league entering today’s action, averaging 286 passing yards per game.
Still, the return of Allen will be a welcomed sight for the Los Angeles offense. The five-time Pro Bowler had his fifth career 1,000-yard season in 2021 and was expected to pair with Mike Williams to give the Chargers one of the top receiving duos in the league. From a financial perspective, that was certainly the team’s intention when they signed the latter to a three-year, $60M deal this offseason, to go along with the three seasons remaining on Allen’s deal which include significant cap figures.
As the team has confirmed, fellow wideout Josh Palmer is out for today’s game against the Seahawks. The second-year receiver ranks second at the position with 240 yards, so Allen will have a significant role available to him. However, Daniel Popper of The Athletic tweets that he will be on a snap count as he looks to round back into form.
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