Indianapolis Colts receiver Keenan Allen is expected to hit the field for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, despite his recent arrest on drunken driving charges. This came straight from General Manager Chris Ballard, who told reporters on Tuesday that the team handled the incident internally, though he didn’t specify any punishment.
Ballard Backs His Veteran, Charges Loom Large
Early Sunday morning, Allen was arrested on preliminary misdemeanor charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, endangering a person. He hasn’t spoken publicly since his release Sunday afternoon, and a court date is set for September 16. A league-imposed suspension could absolutely be on the table, especially as this marks the first legal issue in Allen’s entire 14-year pro career.
But Ballard is unequivocally standing by his guy. “He’ll play, yes,” Ballard stated, even reminding everyone the team offers rideshare services. The GM emphasized Allen’s “14 years in the league, no issues,” calling him a “decorated career, decorated teammate.” He brought up Philip Rivers and coach Shane Steichen, both of whom hold Allen in “extremely high regard,” and praised Allen’s “amazing” parents. “We unequivocally feel good about who Keenan Allen is,” Ballard said, adding that “good people make mistakes and he’s a tremendous human being.” He believes Allen “will prove to y’all in this city of who he is.”
Allen, 34, just reunited with Steichen after signing with the Colts on August 18. He’s slated to be the No. 3 receiver behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. This six-time Pro Bowler spent 12 of his first 13 NFL seasons with the Chargers, working with Steichen for seven of those years. Last November, he passed Hall of Famer Antonio Gates to become the Chargers’ career reception leader with 956 catches. After spending 2024 with the Chicago Bears, he returned to the Chargers last year before joining the Colts. His 1,055 career receptions rank 13th all-time, and he needs only 16 more catches to pass Colts receivers coach Reggie Wayne for 11th. Among active players, he’s fifth in receiving yards with 12,051 and seventh in touchdown catches with 70.
Pierce’s Ankle Battle And The Long Road Back
While Allen faces his off-field challenges, receiver Alec Pierce is battling his way back to the field. Pierce was activated from the physically unable to perform list late last week and worked out with the team on Tuesday. He’d been rehabbing from March surgery for an injured left ankle, which caused him to miss all of training camp. This gives him just under two weeks to get back into game shape before the opener.
“It’s good to have him back out there, got a good day of work today,” Ballard noted, adding, “We’re hopeful. We’ll see how it ends up landing.” Pierce initially tried platelet-rich plasma injections in January, but with no relief, he opted for surgery after signing his four-year, $114 million contract extension. He tallied 47 receptions last season, and the team needs him at full strength.
With Allen’s legal process just kicking off with his September 16 court date, and Pierce’s health still a question mark, the Colts are heading into their September 13 opener against the Ravens with some serious unknowns. It’s going to be wild to see how this plays out on and off the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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