3 Bears on Thin Ice Even After Encouraging Win

3. WR Keenan Allen

Let’s make it clear – Keenan Allen has nothing to prove. The six-time pro-bowler has missed two games from a lingering heel injury and has a track record to suggest his 81 yards through three games is anomalous. He’ll probably get it going, health willing.

He just has competition. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze is the nominal third receiver behind DJ Moore and Allen when all are healthy, but Chicago drafted him No. 9 overall for a reason. In Allen’s absence two weeks ago, Odunze saw 11 targets that led to 6 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. After a 10-yard dud against the Rams the week prior, Odunze saw six targets this week – the same as Allen.

There also may be a pragmatism to Allen – at least temporarily – being level to or below Odunze on the totem pole. A 32-year-old with an injury history, he’s of little use to Chicago and Williams if his heel is gamey by Week 9. For all of Odunze’s talent, he and Allen are different receivers too. The rookie is obviously going to be more of a field-stretching, jump-ball threat while Allen remains a technician in the short and intermediate.

Allen won’t (and shouldn’t) cede his important role as a veteran safety valve for Caleb. However, his usage may continue to suffer if he doesn’t appear back to 100% soon.

More Bears news and rumors: