Keenan Allen Reportedly Misses Practice, Possibly Injured

Ryan Gorcey of Rivals.com has stated that Keenan Allen, star wide receiver for the Cal Golden Bears, was not at practice today. He also claims that a source has told him that Allen was badly injured against Utah and may very well miss Cal’s Friday game against the Washington Huskies. Of course, none of this is verified, and the source is not listed. I’m sure Allen’s absence at practice can be taken as fact, but his injury, and the seriousness of the injury, are basically rumor as of this moment.

Oct 6, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-US PRESSWIRE

If Allen really is injured enough that he is doomed to miss Friday’s game, it is a massive blow to Jeff Tedford’s team and a huge boost for Washington, albeit one Coach Sark and his players probably won’t openly celebrate. Injury is always unfortunate, but it is also a reality of the game, so there is no reason to pretend that this won’t change the game and benefit the Huskies. In particular, the fact that Cal was favored by 4 points in Vegas will probably change if this injury is in any way confirmed. Because Allen has basically been the only weapon in the passing attack that has been dependable, the loss would cripple Cal’s ability to score, and could even shift the balance of the line into Washington’s favor.

In case you aren’t familiar with Allen: he is a 6’3″ 210 pound junior from Greensboro, North Carolina. He broke out last season with a 98 catch, 1343 yard year, including 6 receiving touchdowns. This season he has played at a similarly high level, with 61 receptions for 737 yards and 7 total touchdowns. He’s definitely a 1st or 2nd round NFL prospect, and he may even declare after this year.

More on Allen’s status as new information emerges.