Keenan Allen, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the LA Chargers before being traded to the Chicago Bears last year, has rejoined the Chargers as a free agent following the 2024 season. Despite his enthusiasm to be back, Allen’s participation in the team’s second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at SoFi Stadium is uncertain.
Allen caught 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns during last season, but it appears the Chargers will ease him back into the lineup. Head coach Jim Harbaugh typically limits playing time in early preseason matchups to second-string players, third-stringers, and practice squad members. Harbaugh has not confirmed whether starters, including Allen, will see action in the upcoming game.
Quarterback Decisions and Team Strategy for Preseason
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke is set to start for the Chargers against the Saints, following Trey Lance’s start in the opening preseason game versus the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, star quarterback Justin Herbert, who has never played in a preseason game during his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL career, is expected to maintain that pattern this year as well.
This means fans likely won’t see Herbert and Allen play together until the regular season kicks off. Their first joint appearance will be in Week 1 when the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil. Until then, Allen will be focusing on his role as a veteran leader within the Chargers’ wide receiver room, which also features young talents Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
Allen is expected to be a dependable target for Herbert once the season begins, drawing on their established chemistry from previous campaigns.
Preview of the Chargers vs. Saints Game and Broadcast Information
The Chargers will host the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, for their second preseason game on Sunday, August 10, starting at 4:05 p.m. ET. This game provides valuable playing time for players vying for spots on the Chargers’ final 53-man roster.
The Saints have announced that Spencer Rattler will be their starting quarterback in this matchup. Fans can watch the game live on NFL Network nationwide, with local broadcasts available on CBS 2 in Los Angeles and FOX 8 in New Orleans. The broadcast team includes Noah Eagle on play-by-play, Dan Fouts as color analyst, and Jaime Maggio reporting from the sidelines.
Additionally, streaming options include NFL+, DirecTV Stream, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV, giving viewers multiple ways to follow the action.
Implications of Allen’s Preseason Availability for Chargers’ Outlook
Keenan Allen’s return to the Chargers marks a significant boost to their receiving corps, offering experience and leadership to complement emerging players like McConkey and Johnston. While his Keenan Allen Chargers preseason status suggests a cautious return by the coaching staff, preserving his availability and health for the regular season is likely the priority.
The Chargers appear focused on gradually integrating key veterans into gameplay, minimizing injury risk ahead of critical matchups starting in Week 1. Fans hoping to see Allen on the field alongside Herbert will need to wait until the Brazil game against the Chiefs to witness their collaboration once again.