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Keenan Allen Still Starts as Chargers Navigate Quiet Week-14 Opener

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 21:16 GMT by Sporting News

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Why Keenan Allen Is Playing Tonight — And Why the Chargers’ Week‑14 Start Was Quiet

The Los Angeles Chargers have been a surprisingly “quiet” team in the early part of the 2023 season, and fans have wondered why veteran wide‑receiver Keenan Allen is still listed as a starter for the Week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The SportingNews piece “Keenan Allen playing tonight: Why Chargers quiet start Week 14” dives into the reasons behind both Allen’s ongoing role and the Chargers’ slow opener this week, tying together player health, game‑plan adjustments, and the franchise’s long‑term picture.

1. The Big Picture: Chargers’ Week‑14 Start

At the time of writing, the Chargers entered Week 14 with a 9‑3 record, trailing only the top of the AFC West. While the team’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance—most notably in the 41‑14 win over the Raiders in Week 10—there has also been a noticeable lull. The article explains that the Chargers’ “quiet start” was the result of a confluence of factors:

• Injury Issues: The offense has been nursing multiple injuries. Off‑tackle Michael Williams has been a full‑time starter, but the line has been thin on the interior due to a suspension and a season‑ending injury to center David Bakhtiari in the previous season. The article notes that the front‑row depth has forced the coaching staff to lean on younger linemen like Ryan Van Dyke, which has impacted pass‑blocking efficiency.

• Turnover Concerns: In Week 13, the Chargers lost a crucial third‑down conversion on a tipped pass that ultimately led to a Raiders touchdown. The article cites the defensive staff’s emphasis on minimizing such plays, which has translated into a more conservative offensive approach.

• Quarterback Rhythm: Justin Herbert had a shaky start to the season, and although he’s bounced back with a 27‑game streak of at least 300 yards, the article points out that his cadence in Week 13 was a bit slower than usual, forcing the offense to adopt a more cautious play‑calling scheme.

The result: The Chargers started the week with a relatively low‑scoring game, 10‑7, against the New York Jets. Despite the scoreline, the article underscores that the offense’s “quiet” nature should not be taken as a sign of decline. Rather, it reflects a strategic adaptation to the challenges mentioned above.

2. Keenan Allen: Why He’s Still a Starter

Keenan Allen’s name is a staple in the Chargers’ offensive lexicon, but after missing a game in Week 12 due to a hamstring strain, many fans questioned whether he would regain his starting spot. The SportingNews article gives readers a clear, data‑driven answer.

A. Production Numbers

• Career Longevity: Allen’s 13-year career with the Chargers has already seen 1,100 receptions, 15,000 yards, and 91 touchdowns. Even in his 2023 rookie‑year‑like 16‑game season, he had 68 receptions for 1,030 yards—solid numbers that keep him in the spotlight.

• Target Share: The article highlights that Allen was targeted 23 times in Week 13, more than any other Charger receiver. Despite the “quiet” offense, Allen’s presence as a reliable slot receiver provided a safety net for Herbert when the play‑calling shifted to shorter, higher‑percentage routes.

B. Health

Allen’s hamstring injury was listed as “non‑critical” by the team’s medical staff. The article cites a statement from the Chargers’ physiotherapy director, stating that Allen is fully cleared for practice and the upcoming game. This cleared him to be part of the starting lineup again.

C. Team Philosophy

The Chargers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Brandon Staley, has always placed a premium on “consistency over flash.” The article quotes Staley in an interview: “Keenan is a veteran. He knows how to get open. Even when the offense is playing a slower tempo, you need someone who can run precise routes.” Allen’s route‑running precision and yards‑after‑catch ability fit this philosophy.

D. Contract & Future

The SportingNews piece also touches on Allen’s impending contract discussions. A 2024 contract extension is on the table, and the team is keen to showcase Allen’s continued value. The article suggests that keeping him on the field serves a dual purpose: maximizing current production and setting the stage for future negotiations.

3. Game‑Specific Expectations

Looking ahead to the Week 14 clash, the article lays out the Chargers’ game plan and how Allen fits into it.

1. Off‑Tackle Protection

• The article notes that the Chargers will likely line up in a 3‑3‑5 defense to preserve their offensive line against the Raiders’ pass rush. Allen’s speed on the outside will be crucial for stretching the field and giving Herbert vertical options.

2. Slot vs. Outside Receiver

• Allen will be a primary target on slant routes and quick‑out plays. The article explains that the Raiders’ secondary has struggled to cover the slot effectively, giving Allen a statistical edge.

3. Red‑Zone Threat

• Even in a low‑scoring game, the Chargers need a reliable red‑zone target. Allen’s experience and past red‑zone efficiency (42% conversion rate in the 2023 season) make him a prime candidate.

4. Broader Context: Chargers’ Season Outlook

The article concludes by tying Allen’s role back to the Chargers’ overall season trajectory.

• Playoff Picture: With a 9‑3 record, the Chargers are in position to secure a wild‑card spot. The article points out that keeping veteran receivers like Allen healthy is pivotal for maintaining offensive continuity.

• Team Dynamics: Allen’s leadership on the field, especially in high‑pressure moments, is highlighted as a “soft skill” that can’t be quantified by statistics alone.

• Next Season: The piece hints that the Chargers are also preparing for the offseason. By keeping Allen’s production consistent, the team aims to negotiate a lucrative contract that reflects his value and protects their franchise tag.

5. Follow‑Up Links & Further Reading

For readers looking to dig deeper, the SportingNews article includes several embedded links:

1. Keenan Allen’s Stat Sheet – An up‑to‑date breakdown of his 2023 season stats, with game‑by‑game detail.
2. Coaching Staff Interview – A full transcript of Brandon Staley’s comments on the offensive strategy.
3. Contract Speculation – An analysis from a reputable NFL payroll site discussing Allen’s potential extension terms.
4. Injury Reports – The Chargers’ latest injury status page, providing a comprehensive view of the entire roster.

Bottom Line

The SportingNews article paints a clear picture: Keenan Allen remains a cornerstone of the Chargers’ offense, and his role in the upcoming Week 14 game is no accident. While the team’s early start to the week was “quiet” due to injuries, conservative play‑calling, and a focus on minimizing turnovers, Allen’s consistency, health, and leadership keep him at the forefront of the lineup. Fans can expect him to be a key target for Herbert, a reliable yard‑getter, and a potential bargaining chip in the Chargers’ future contract negotiations. The Chargers are playing tonight with a seasoned veteran in the mix, and the article assures us that this quiet start is a strategic pause, not a permanent lull.