Jared Allen’s battle with pneumonia results in dramatic weight loss

Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) runs as Chicago Bears defensive end Jared Allen (69) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) runs as Chicago Bears defensive end Jared Allen (69) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears will have to be creative to generate a pass rush without Jared Allen against the Green Bay Packers as his consecutive games started streak will be snapped at 133.

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Allen was officially ruled as questionable earlier in the week as he battled an illness. On Sunday, that illness was revealed to be pneumonia, according to Jay Glazer of Fox. Glazer reports Allen has lost 18 pounds as he deals with the illness, but still wanted to suit up for tonight’s NFC North battle against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Without a healthy Allen, the Bears will rely on fellow free agent signee Willie Young to generate a pass rush and get to Rodgers and make him uncomfortable as the Bears are also without Shea McClellin who broke the collarbone of Rodgers last year on a sack.

Allen was signed to a four-year deal after the Minnesota Vikings let him walk in free agency to replace Julius Peppers who was a salary cap casualty and on the other sideline today for Green Bay.

Such a rapid weight loss could take Allen more than a week or two to get back to full health as he fights his way back to full health and full strength.

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