It took Keenan Allen just one practice to crush Chargers fans' dreams

Keenan Allen left Los Angeles Chargers fans thrilled when he decided to return to the team after a one-year hiatus in Chicago. The hero came back home, a new leader in the team's quest for a playoff run.

But what's better than one former star receiver returning to the Chargers? How about two of them?

Allen's return had speculation brewing about Mike Williams coming out of retirement to rejoin his former teammate. It would be a dream come true for fans, but Allen already shot down their hopes.

Keenan Allen says there's no chance Mike Williams comes out of retirement to rejoin Chargers

"Zero." Those are the chances Allen gives of Williams coming out of retirement, per insider Alex Insdorf.

The chances were always slim that Williams would return just weeks after announcing his retirement. But how great would it be to see the pair back in powder blue?

Allen and Williams were electric together just a few years ago. In 2021, they both racked up over 1,100 receiving yards and combined for 15 touchdowns. At the top of their games, they were one of the best wide receiver duos in football.

Allen was the refined slot guy, and Williams was the big-bodied deep threat. The pair worked together to perfection.

When they split up in 2024, it wasn't pretty. Both players posted some of the worst numbers of their careers with their new teams. Allen went down with the sinking ship that was the Bears' offense, and Williams floated from the Jets to the Steelers, struggling to find his footing.

After a season to forget for both receivers, it's hard to blame Chargers fans for wanting to see their careers rectified back in Los Angeles.

But it looks like it's not going to happen.

Williams' return wasn't a necessity for this Chargers team. They have quietly put together a complete receiving group this offseason, building around Ladd McConkey with a few quality additions. Rookie second-round pick Tre Harris will act as one of the outside receivers, with fifth-round selection Keandre Lambert-Smith playing a role in some packages. Of course, Allen and McConkey can both play in the slot or out wide.

The Chargers have recovered quickly from losing Allen and Williams a year ago. They don't need to have both receivers back on the team, but it still would have been nice to see. Instead, we'll have to settle for half of the duo.