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Keenan Allen expects to be ready by training camp

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) looks on prior to a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) looks on prior to a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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After missing all but one half of the 2016 season, Keenan Allen should be ready to go for Los Angeles Chargers’ training camp. 

The Los Angeles Chargers had a terrible 2016 season. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause of it, but losing star wide receiver Keenan Allen in the first half of the first game certainly played a role. The Chargers lacked offensive threats without him after he tore his ACL. However, Allen expects to be ready for their first training camp in Los Angeles. Though don’t expect him to rush anything.

"“I’m not trying to kill myself. There’s still a long time until the season,” Allen said, via the Los Angeles Times. “I’m definitely trying to just keep getting stronger and then just try to be there for the whole season for my team.”"

Getting Allen back healthy should give a huge lift to the Chargers. He has missed 23 games over the past two seasons, but has shown a lot of potential. In Allen’s rookie season, he put up 1,046 touchdowns and eight touchdowns. Back in 2015, after a fast start featuring 67 receptions in his first eight games, injuries cost him the rest of his season.

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Allen’s success is extremely important to the future of the Chargers. They need a star receiver to catch Philip River’s passes. Also, the Chargers have to compete with the Los Angeles Rams. Allen has the star appeal necessary to be something special in the Sunshine State. In a competitive AFC West, the Chargers are relying on their offense to keep them in games.

With a healthy Allen and Rivers, perhaps they can surprise some people in 2017. Tyrell Williams, last year’s leading receiver, should help as well. So should running back Melvin Gordon. The Chargers have a lot to look forward to moving forward.

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