Keenan Allen will be on the field for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, and general manager Chris Ballard made clear Tuesday that he wants the veteran receiver to be shown some understanding after his offseason arrest.
Allen was arrested on August 30 at about 1 a.m. local time in downtown Indianapolis and was hit with two misdemeanor operating while intoxicated charges. Since then, his status for the Colts’ opener against the Baltimore Ravens had been uncertain, but Ballard removed the suspense.
“I won't comment on the legal process, but I will say that good people make mistakes,” Ballard said. “Give [Keenan Allen] some grace.”
He then addressed Allen’s football availability directly.
“Regarding availability for Week 1: ‘He'll play.' Ballard won't comment on any potential in-house discipline,” Holder reported. “Most of that will come from the league, obviously.”
The 34-year-old wideout had no issues on his record before the incident, and the Colts are now moving ahead with him as part of their offense. Allen signed a one-year, $3.32 million deal with Indianapolis this offseason and can earn up to $8.32 million in incentives.
There’s a real path for Allen to matter quickly in Indy. Josh Downs is the clear top target, Alec Pierce is still coming back from injury, and with Michael Pittman Jr. out of the picture, Allen could settle in as the Colts’ WR 2.
Last season, Allen was a depth option for the Los Angeles Chargers, but he still produced plenty when called on. The six-time Pro Bowler finished with 81 catches for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
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