Initial Keenan Allen Injury Update Clouds Week 2 Fantasy Outlook

Keenan Allen's initial injury update clouds his Week 2 fantasy outlook.
Keenan Allen's initial injury update clouds his Week 2 fantasy outlook. / AP Photos/Ashley Landis
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Fantasy managers were eager to draft any piece of the Los Angeles Chargers' passing attack they could get this year. Keenan Allen was selected as a WR1 for many teams, but he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The issue has clouded his fantasy outlook for Week 2.

Keenan Allen Fantasy Outlook

Allen explained that he sustained the injury during the first half of the game when he firmly planted his foot during a route. That was when he felt a little pull and his hamstring tightened. He ended up leaving the game after hauling in all four of his targets from quarterback Justin Herbert for 66 yards.

Speaking to reporters following the win, Allen said that he could "possibly" suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. The only problem is that he only has a few days to prepare given the game is slated for Thursday night. Allen changed his statement to "small possibly" when reminded of that.

This is a storyline worth keeping an eye on for fantasy managers. Allen racked up 128 yards and two touchdowns on 14 receptions (22 targets) in two games against the Chiefs in 2021. If the veteran is able to suit up, he is worth starting in what is expected to be a matchup full of offensive highlights.

If Allen is unable to suit up, the upside of Mike Williams rises higher in WR2 territory. Yes, 27-year-old disappointed in Week 1 (2 receptions, 10 yards). However, he shined against the Chiefs last year as well. His big play abilities helped him post 171 yards and two touchdowns on 10 catches (19 targets).

However, fantasy managers must be careful about picking up DeAndre Carter if Allen is ruled out. While the NFL journeyman impressed with a touchdown grab on Sunday, he only played in 37% of the offensive snaps. Yes, that number could very well rise if Allen is out, but both TE Gerald Everett and WR Joshua Palmer appeared in at least 66%.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.