Los Angeles Chargers receiver DeAndre Carter Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers options for fantasy owners if WR Keenan Allen misses Week 2

By Mark McGreal | Last updated 9/12/22

The left hamstring injury wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered in Week 1 could have fantasy owners scrambling for another Chargers pass-catcher to fill his shoes.

In Los Angeles' 24-19 win over the Raiders, Justin Herbert went 26-for-34 for 279 yards. Allen caught all four of his targets for 66 yards. Without him, another wideout must pick up the slack.

During an interview with NBC Sports, Allen said he would “possibly” play in the team’s Week 2 game, though he changed his answer to “small possibly” when reminded the Chargers play Thursday against Kansas City.

The 30-year-old had an MRI on his hamstring Monday, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.

#Chargers WR Keenan Allen will have an MRI on his hamstring after being ruled out yesterday, source said. Given the quick turnaround, missing Thursday vs. the #Chiefs makes sense, but tests today will determine the full extent of the injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022

Allen had a high average draft position in fantasy football drafts, with FantasyPros listing him as the average 27th overall pick in points per reception leagues across several platforms. While his production will be hard to account for with just one player, Los Angeles has several receivers who could score big for fantasy owners.

Joshua Palmer caught only three passes for five yards Sunday, but he’s the most proven player outside Mike Williams (two catches, 10 yards in Week 1) on the receiving corps. He caught 33 passes for 353 yards and four touchdowns last season. The 2021 third-round pick will have bigger games this season, and he’s only a player in 35.5 percent of ESPN leagues.

DeAndre Carter made an immediate impact in the game after Allen’s injury, racking up three catches for 64 yards and a touchdown catch.

Despite his big game, Carter hasn’t had more than 300 receiving yards in a season since joining the league in 2018. He’s a bigger risk, as he's a player in just .1 percent of leagues on ESPN. He’s easier to pick up off the waiver wire for fantasy managers who have other needs to address first.

Whoever gets the most targets with Allen out could provide a boost for a fantasy owner.

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