For the first time this season, Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen has not been listed on the injury report in any capacity. This means Allen got in an entire week of full practice participation with the offense and QB Caleb Williams to work on timing and route nuances. Combine that with starting RG Teven Jenkins (ribs) trending toward playing – and this offense is all but guaranteed to take another step forward against Carolina’s exploitable defense.
The Keenan Allen Experiment
With a full complement of healthy pass-catching weapons, The Chicago Bears offense with QB Caleb Williams at the helm should look the best it has all season against the Carolina Panthers in week 5. The lynchpin of this passing attack has been Keenan Allen all off-season and into training camp. Then, in week 1 against a good Titans defense, Keenan Allen had a heel injury going into that game and still got 11 targets.
Those targets didn’t amount to much in the Chicago Bears’ win – as Caleb Williams and the offensive line struggled greatly in their first-ever NFL game. Keenan Allen went on to miss the next two full weeks of practice and both games against the Texans and Colts, which were both Chicago Bears’ losses. Allen returned to practice as a limited participant in week 4 and carried a questionable tag into their game against the Rams.
Keenan Allen started the game against the Rams and played 68% of snaps on offense as the Chicago Bears eased him back into the lineup. Those snaps only translated to three targets for three receptions and 19 yards, but the most important aspect of the game for Allen was that he did not re-injure his heel. He made it through a game healthy and, for the first time in the 2024 season, went into a full week of practice healthy.
DJ Moore Revenge Game
The Carolina Panthers traded their star WR DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears after the 2022 season instead of offering him a long-term contract. Moore led the Panthers’ receiving corps in catches, yards, and touchdowns and was incredibly reliable – not missing a single game in the past two seasons for the Panthers. The Chicago Bears sent their #1 overall pick in the 2023 draft to Carolina in exchange for the No. 9 and 61 picks in the 2023 draft, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers used that pick to select the Heisman trophy-winning QB Bryce Young # 1 overall out of the University of Alabama. Fast forward through the 2023 football season – DJ Moore had his best statistical season ever, posting 96 receptions for 1364 yards and eight touchdowns. Adding insult to injury, the Carolina Panthers finished with the worst record in the league – gifting the #1 overall pick to the Chicago Bears. After another poor start to the 2024 season, Bryce Young was benched in favor of former Chicago Bears QB Andy Dalton.
Final Thoughts
It will be a grand family reunion on Sunday at Soldier Field – business partners and old friends reminiscing about the days gone by and all the wonderful things they have done to help each other. Or, at least, the Chicago Bears will feel that way. The Panthers will be scrappy in this one, trying to get a win for their fans after the devastating hurricane but also to show that they don’t need everything they gave up to beat Chicago. The Chicago Bears must have a dominant performance against the Panthers to show the league they can win the games they are supposed to.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play.
Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
