Colts WR Keenan Allen Expected to Play Season Opener Despite Arrest INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is set to play in the team’s season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, according to general manager Chris Ballard. Allen was arrested on Sunday morning for drunken driving, charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. The NFL has not yet commented on the incident, and Ballard indicated the league may wait until adjudication before taking disciplinary action. However, the Colts have stated that any internal discipline will not result in Allen missing games. Ballard addressed the situation during a press conference, stating, “I’m not going to comment on what happened, but what I’m going to tell you is good people make mistakes. And he’s a tremendous human being. Give him some grace.” When directly asked if Allen would play in the opener, Ballard confirmed, “He will play.” The decision was based on Allen’s history of no character issues over his 13 seasons in the NFL. Ballard emphasized that the matter would be handled internally but declined to provide details. Ballard also highlighted the support of former Colts and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and current Colts coach Shane Steichen, both of whom had worked with Allen during his time with the Chargers. “Fourteen years in the league and no issues,” Ballard said. “Decorated career, decorated teammate. As you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers, I know Philip holds him in extremely high regard. And [Steichen] was with him. And after you meet his mom and dad, who are just amazing people, we feel good about who he is. Unequivocally feel good about who Keenan Allen is.#indianapolis_colts #chris_ballard #keenan_allen #philip_rivers #shane_steichen
