Chicago Bears star wide receiver Keenan Allen has finally shared more details about the heel injury that has kept him out for two games.
As reported by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on September 27, Allen explained that the injury first appeared as discomfort in his heel during a joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 15, prior to their preseason game. Although he managed to practice through what he described as a “bruise/spur” during training camp, the condition worsened and developed into plantar fasciitis after he tried to stop on a route in Week 1’s victory over Tennessee. Since then, the Bears have opted to take a cautious approach.
Fortunately, Allen returned to practice for the first time since Week 1 as the team began preparing for the Los Angeles Rams on September 25. He was limited during the initial sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, but was upgraded to a full participant on Friday and was listed as questionable in the final injury report.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed on Friday that he expects Allen to play against the Rams, stating, “Yeah, we do anticipate Allen will play. He was full today, looked good today. He’s been working back in the whole week, so we anticipate that.”
While Allen’s participation isn’t guaranteed, his presence would significantly enhance the Bears’ offense if he plays. As the most accomplished receiver on the roster with over 10,500 career receiving yards, he was targeted 11 times in the season opener against the Titans, highlighting the Bears’ desire to integrate him into the offense alongside DJ Moore and rookie Rome Odunze.
DeAndre Carter has filled in capably as the third receiver in Allen’s absence, catching six passes for 54 yards. However, Allen’s experience would provide a crucial advantage as the Bears seek to establish a more consistent passing game with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. It also helps that Allen and Williams share a close relationship.
Carter is likely to remain involved as well; he is the Bears’ top option in the return game and is more likely to be active than either Tyler Scott or Velus Jones Jr. However, the offense would benefit from having Allen back in the lineup, with Carter positioned as the fourth receiver.
Allen isn’t the only player with a questionable status heading into Sunday’s game against the Rams. Starting free safety Kevin Byard III (back) and defensive tackle Andrew Billings (knee) are also listed as questionable after appearing on the injury report and missing a practice during the week. Eberflus noted that both players looked “good” during Friday’s final practice but will be evaluated up until kickoff.
“We’re considering those guys potentially working out before the game, but we’ll make decisions within the next few hours,” Eberflus said on Friday.
The Bears have also ruled out three other players for the matchup. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens will miss the game as he continues to recover from a groin injury sustained in Week 2. Cornerback Terell Smith is also out after missing the entire week of practice due to a hip injury from Week 3.
Additionally, tight end Stephen Carlson, who was recently signed from the practice squad, has been ruled out after suffering a significant collarbone injury during Thursday’s practice. Eberflus indicated that Carlson is a candidate for the injured reserve list.
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