Chargers Wide Receiver Still Not Practicing

The Los Angeles Chargers have struggled to get wide receiver Keenan Allen on the field this season, and that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. The five-time Pro Bowler missed yet another practice on Wednesday, casting doubt on his availability for Week 9's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

#Chargers coach Brandon Staley says WR Keenan Allen is day to day with the hamstring injury.
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) November 2, 2022

Allen has missed all but 45 snaps this season due to a lingering and unpredictable hamstring injury suffered in Week 1. He has practiced sporadically and persistently earned questionable tags on the team's weekly injury reports but has seldom proven ready to go on game day.

Allen's unavailability has delayed an expected breakout year for quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert has regressed to career-low averages in passer rating and passing yards per game this season after many had anticipated MVP potential from the third-year passer. Despite the disappointing start, the Chargers still remain 11th in scoring through their seven games. Allen's eventual healthy return, if it ever comes, could potentially elevate the offense to elite status.

Allen joined the Chargers as their 76th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He contributed an amazing rookie season for the team, tallying 1046 receiving yards and eight touchdowns at an impressive 10.0 yards per target. Injuries limited him in his next three seasons, but he broke out for a career-high 1393 yards in 2017, earning the first of his five consecutive Pro Bowls.