Ryan Allen has not been able to stick with a team since his Patriots run ended, punting in just nine games over the past two seasons. But the veteran specialist is set to receive another opportunity for a playoff contender.
In need of a punter after Rigoberto Sanchez received a cancer diagnosis, the Colts added Allen to their practice squad. He will head to Indianapolis after punting in a game with Tennessee this season. Sanchez underwent surgery to address a cancerous tumor Tuesday.
The Titans cut Allen from their practice squad last month. The four-time Super Bowl punter played eight games for the Falcons in 2018. With the Colts not having another punter on their active roster or practice squad, Allen should be expected to be promoted by Saturday. This will be contingent on the punter testing negative for COVID-19 across a six-day period this week.
Sanchez, who signed an extension last year, has been the Colts’ punter since Week 1 of the 2017 season. With the exception of one Pat McAfee absence in 2010, the Colts have only used two punters in games over the past 12 seasons.
Allen, 30, has punted in 105 NFL games. He averaged just 41.9 yards per punt in 2019 with Atlanta but finished at 45.1 in his final New England season, which he capped with a strong Super Bowl LIII showing.
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