If you're scouring the internet wondering is Keenan Allen playing today, the short answer is no, but not because of a pulled hamstring or a rolled ankle. The reality of the NFL calendar in mid-January is often harsher than a typical injury report. As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, Keenan Allen and the Los Angeles Chargers have officially entered their offseason.
It’s a bit of a bummer for fantasy managers and Bolts fans who were hoping for one more vintage performance. After a Wild Card round exit against the New England Patriots just last weekend, the Chargers' 2025-2026 campaign came to a screeching halt. While teams like the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a Divisional Round showdown this Sunday, Allen is likely watching from his couch.
Why isn't Keenan Allen playing today?
Basically, the Chargers ran out of road. They went into Foxborough last Sunday as slight underdogs and couldn't quite find the end zone, falling 16-3 to a stingy Patriots defense. Honestly, it was a frustrating night for anyone tracking Allen’s stats. He was targeted eight times—a team high—but only managed three catches for 25 yards.
When people ask is Keenan Allen playing today, they’re often checking to see if he's recovered from those "Not Injury Related" (NIR) rest days he was taking late in the season. Throughout January, Allen was a regular on the DNP (Did Not Participate) list during Wednesday practices. This wasn't because he was hurt; it was veteran maintenance. Coach Jim Harbaugh and the staff were clearly trying to save his 33-year-old legs for the postseason push.
👉 See also: Steelers News: Justin Fields and the 2026 Quarterback Reality
It worked, sort of. He was fully active for the Wild Card game, but the offense just never clicked. Now that the Chargers are eliminated, there are no more games on the schedule for him this winter.
Looking back at the 2025 season
You’ve gotta respect what Allen did this year, even if the yardage totals weren't what we saw during his peak years in San Diego or early LA. After a brief, one-year stint with the Chicago Bears in 2024—where he put up a respectable 744 yards—Allen returned to the Chargers for the 2025 season. It felt right seeing him back in the powder blue, even if the Greg Roman offense is, well, a bit run-heavy.
Here is a quick look at how the veteran finished his latest campaign:
✨ Don't miss: South Dakota State Football vs NDSU Football Matches: Why the Border Battle Just Changed Forever
- Total Receptions: 81
- Total Yards: 777
- Touchdowns: 4
- Average per catch: Roughly 9.6 yards
It was a "move the chains" kind of year. He wasn't the deep threat anymore, but Justin Herbert still looked his way whenever it was 3rd-and-7 and the game was on the line. Interestingly, his snap counts dipped a bit in November and December as the team tried to integrate younger guys like Ladd McConkey and Oronde Gadsden II.
The Bears connection and the 2026 future
Some fans are still searching for his status in relation to the Chicago Bears. If you’re a Bears fan checking is Keenan Allen playing today because you remember him in the navy and orange last year, keep in mind he’s no longer on that roster. The Bears are actually playing a massive playoff game against the Rams this weekend, but they’re doing it with DJ Moore and the rookie sensation Rome Odunze leading the way.
Allen will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. This is the part that gets spicy. He’s 33, heading toward 34, and while he’s a future Hall of Famer, the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business. Will the Chargers bring him back on a team-friendly deal? Or will he ring-chase with a contender like the Chiefs or Bills?
🔗 Read more: Shedeur Sanders Draft Room: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
What to do if you're looking for football today
Since Allen is sidelined, your best bet for NFL action today and tomorrow involves the remaining Divisional Round matchups. If you were specifically looking for WR updates for playoff fantasy or betting, here’s the landscape for the teams actually on the field:
- Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (foot) is currently listed as questionable for their game against the Rams, though he practiced fully on Friday.
- Los Angeles Rams: Their receiver room is relatively healthy, with Jordan Whittington cleared to play.
- Weather Factors: Keep an eye on the wind in Chicago; it’s looking like a typical mid-January "frozen tundra" vibe which might favor the ground game over the passing attack.
Assessing the veteran's value moving forward
The question of is Keenan Allen playing today will likely be a popular one again come September 2026. For now, the takeaway is clear: the veteran is healthy, but his team is out.
If you're looking for actionable steps to take right now:
- Check Free Agency Rumors: Since Allen's contract is up, expect the "Keenan Allen to [Insert Contender]" rumors to start flying by late February.
- Monitor the Bears vs. Rams: If you want to see how Allen's former team is doing without him, that game kicks off Sunday night at Soldier Field.
- Roster Adjustments: If you’re playing in any "Playoff Challenge" fantasy leagues that allow roster resets, make sure Allen is out of your lineup as he has zero remaining games this postseason.
The Chargers' season is over, and with it, the weekly "will he or won't he" drama surrounding Allen's availability. He finished the year healthy, which is a win in itself for a guy with his injury history. Now, we wait to see where the best route-runner in the game lands for what could be his final NFL chapter.