The LA Chargers' season unofficially ended in Week 14 when the team lost to the Denver Broncos and also lost Justin Herbert for the rest of the season. Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has not played since that game as he has been dealing with a lingering heel injury.
Allen played through other injuries earlier in the year so him missing two weeks in a row has to be viewed as a precautionary move by the Chargers. With nothing to really play for, there was no real reason to rush Allen back onto the field.
Unfortunately for fantasy football players, this coincided with the most important time of the year. Allen has missed the last week of the fantasy football regular season as well as the first two weeks of the playoffs. For many, Allen being out of action may have cost them their season.
Those with Allen on the roster who have made it to the finals are hoping that he can provide a boost in Week 17 as the Chargers once again play the Broncos. However, the odds of Allen actually suiting up on Sunday took a big hit, as he still is not participating in practice on Thursday.
Keenan Allen (heel) and Joshua Palmer (concussion) not practicing today. Both doing some agility work and running off to the side with trainers.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 28, 2023
Keenan Allen likely won't suit up for the Chargers in Week 17
Nothing has been officially announced regarding Allen's game status but it is really hard to see him playing in the game if he still isn't participating on Thursday. With nothing to play for (and the Chargers benefitting from losing games), there is more reason to rest Allen than to let him play.
This is obviously a big blow for those in the finals who were hoping that Allen could provide that extra boost to put them over the top. Allen has been exceptional this season and was on pace for another All-Pro season if he didn't miss this stretch of games at the end of the season.
Those who are desperate for a receiver because of Allen might want to give Quentin Johnston a look. Johnston has been extremely disappointing this season but if both Allen and Joshua Palmer are hurt then most of the targets will go to Johnston. This would be a good chance for the Chargers to see what they have for next season, so it won't be surprising if Johnston sees a career-high in targets in Week 17.