The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Allen sidelined by first-half hamstring injury
INGLEWOOD >> Keenan Allen caught four passes for a team-leading 66 yards before departing for the locker room in the first half of the Chargers’ victory Sunday over the Las Vegas Raiders. He suffered a hamstring injury that also could keep him from playing Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Deandre Carter replaced Allen and caught three passes for 64 yards and one touchdown, a 23-yard pass from quarterback Justin Herbert that gave the Chargers a 17-3 lead with 35 seconds left in the first half. Carter made a diving catch to snare Herbert’s strike in the end zone.
“(Carter) came in and kept making plays,” said Allen, whose hamstring was wrapped after the game. “You couldn’t even tell I went out. I think we’ll be fine. (Carter) came in and played the position. Josh (Palmer) will play the position. I’ll pick up right where I left off. Just keep making plays.”
Asked if believed he could play Thursday, Allen said, “Possibly.”
Reminded that it was a short week, he said, “Small possibly.”
Coach Brandon Staley said he didn’t have an update on Allen after the game.
“I don’t know enough about that right now,” he said. “I’m going to find out more about his status later.”
Jackson update
Michael Davis started in place of cornerback J.C. Jackson, who was sidelined Sunday after undergoing minor ankle surgery Aug. 23. Jackson’s status for Thursday’s game against the Chiefs was uncertain, although Staley sounded an optimistic tone, saying, “We’re excited.”
Jackson worked out with the Chargers’ other inactive players before Sunday’s victory over the Raiders and “looks good,” according to Staley, who added, “We’ll see for Thursday. I think that it’s a higher percentage than it was (for Sunday’s game). Could he have played? Maybe.”
Jackson’s absence could have tested the Chargers’ depth in the secondary, but with interceptions from Asante Samuel Jr. and Bryce Callahan to go with one from linebacker Drue Tranquill, it didn’t seem to be an issue. The Chargers’ upgraded defense was stellar Sunday.
Herbert streaking
Herbert extended his streak of throwing at least one touchdown pass in a game to 22 consecutive, the fourth-longest streak in franchise history. Philip Rivers had streaks of 28 games (in 2014), 27 games (in 2018) and 23 games (in 2010) during his standout Chargers career.
Best foot forward
JK Scott averaged a net of 48 yards per punt, the second-best net average in a Chargers season-opening game behind Mike Scifres’ 49.3 net average Sept. 10, 2012 against the Raiders in Oakland. The longest of Scott’s four punts was 51 yards early in the fourth quarter Sunday.