The Colts made a move that says plenty about where they are right now: they signed Keenan Allen, a 6-time Pro Bowler, to a 1-year deal worth up to $8.32 million.
Allen arrives after posting 70 catches for 744 yards and 7 TD's with the Bears last season. At 34, he’s no longer in the middle of his peak years, but he still gives Indianapolis a proven veteran target to plug into an offense that already leans on Jonathan Taylor and the running game.
The timing, though, is what makes this interesting.
Indianapolis already has Alec Pierce dealing with an offseason injury situation that has lingered into training camp. Pierce had ankle surgery, has not taken part in team activities, and his availability is now the real question hanging over this signing.
Colts GM Chris Ballard has said he expects Pierce to be ready for week 1, but adding Allen with the opener still ahead doesn’t exactly scream full confidence. There haven’t been any reports of a setback, but head coach Shane Steichen also said Pierce is not ready to return this week.
That leaves Allen in position to matter right away if Pierce can’t get back on the field. The former Chargers star has been serviceable since those big years in Los Angeles, but the Colts may need more than serviceable if they’re counting on him to step into a major role. He might have to show he can still produce like a top 3 option if Pierce remains sidelined.
In Other News...
Colts Backup O-Line Battle Is Heating Up At The Right Time
The Colts have kept busy along the offensive line, bringing in veteran guard Will Hernandez along with tackles Trey Wedig and DAnte Smith for workouts as they look to sort through their backup options. Hernandez, 30, brings experience from his time with the Giants and Cardinals, while Wedig and Smith come in as younger tackle options with backgrounds tied to the Rams, Cardinals and Bengals organizations.
For a team trying to stay sturdy up front, these evaluations matter even in the margins. Indianapolis is still weighing how those pieces fit, and the timing suggests the Colts are trying to add depth before any real need turns into a problem. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Add Proven WR As Pressure Builds Around Injury Concerns
The Colts kept building out their receiver room by adding Keenan Allen on a one-year contract, bringing in a veteran who has spent his career with the Chargers and arrives with six Pro Bowl nods on his rsum. Allen gives Indianapolis a proven target and some much-needed depth at a spot that has been watched closely in camp, especially with the passing game still sorting out its pieces.
Alec Pierces ankle injury has made that need even more apparent, with his status lingering as a concern as training camp unfolds. Allens arrival gives the Colts a steady option to lean on while they wait for more clarity at receiver, and his career production, 1,055 catches, 12,051 yards and 70 touchdowns, is the kind of track record that makes the move feel like more than just insurance. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Linebacker Battle Is Heating Up After An Encouraging Start
Shane Steichen had reason to come away encouraged after the Colts first preseason game against New England, especially with how the linebacker group handled itself. The unit was active from the start, stayed engaged against the run and generally kept the Patriots from finding much easy room underneath, which is exactly the kind of early preseason baseline a coaching staff wants while sorting out a young, rotating position group.
The competition behind the expected starters remains the bigger storyline, with CJ Allen and Akeen Davis-Gaither positioned to open the year in front while the rest of the room keeps pushing for reserve snaps. Bryce Boettcher, Jaylon Carlies and Austin Ajiake all helped make the case that the depth chart could still shift, and the next few weeks should reveal whether that opening performance was a one-night flash or the start of a real battle. [Read more 🡒]