GM Ryan Poles said Monday that he thinks Allen will sign an extension with the Bears "down the road" after the team handles other contracts, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Poles seems to be suggesting that the Bears first want to work out extensions for players that have been with the team longer, though they already took care of two big ones in DE Montez Sweat (November) and CB Jaylon Johnson (March). Allen's new partner at wide receiver might be next in line, as DJ Moore's contract has two more seasons and $32.1 million but nothing guaranteed. Allen has one year and $23.1 million remaining, with the large sum explaining why the Chargers traded him for a mere fourth-round pick on the heels of a 2023 campaign in which he had career highs of 95.6 receiving yards and 21.5 PPR points per game (both numbers ranking Top 4 among all WRs). Allen missed the final four games with a heel injury and will turn 32 in April, but there's been no report of offseason surgery or any complications, so he should be a huge asset in the short term for presumed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

Allen (heel) was traded from the Chargers to the Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick Thursday, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen has been a key figure in the Chargers' offense for the last 11 seasons, but salary cap problems and a new coaching staff and front office have caused the team to move on. Despite entering his age-32 season, Allen has shown few signs of decline, as he racked up 150 targets across only 13 games in 2023. He turned that into 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns while also tallying a career-best 19 receptions of at least 20 yards. Allen will face some questions on his new team, however, as DJ Moore is the established top pass catcher in the offense, meaning Allen could lose out on some of his prolific target volume. While the Bears are expected to draft Caleb Williams with the top overall pick, it's also still unclear who will be under center in Week 1.

Allen (heel) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

Allen will miss a fourth consecutive game to end the season. It's an unfortunate finish to an otherwise excellent campaign from the veteran wide receiver, who finishes with 108 catches on 150 targets for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games. Allen has one more year remaining on his contract, but there is a potential out in his deal this offseason, so it's possible that his tenure with the Chargers will come to an end after 11 seasons.

Allen (heel) didn't practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Allen, who last suited up Week 14, also missed Wednesday's practice and doesn't seem especially likely to play in his team's season finale Sunday against the Chiefs with the Chargers eliminated from playoff contention. If Allen remains sidelined this weekend, Joshua Palmer could lead the Los Angeles WR corps versus Kansas City if he's able to progress fully through the NFL's concussion protocol ahead of Week 18 action.

Allen (heel) didn't practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Allen has missed the last three games, and there doesn't appear to be any incentive for him to play in Sunday's Week 18 finale against the Chiefs with the Chargers' playoff chances already gone. While Allen was sidelined Wednesday, Joshua Palmer (concussion) was able to get in a limited session.

Allen (heel) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

EDGE Analysis

The same applies to Joshua Palmer (concussion), which sets the stage for Quentin Johnston, Alex Erickson, Jalen Guyton and Derius Davis to lead the Chargers' Week 17 WR corps. Allen now will target a potential return to action in the team's season finale against the Chiefs.

Allen (heel) didn't take part in Friday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen is tending to a heel injury for a third consecutive week, a span in which he hasn't been able to log any on-field work. Ultimately, the Chargers may make a decision on his availability for Sunday's game at Denver as soon as they post their final Week 17 injury report later Friday. If Allen logs a third straight absence this weekend and fellow wide receiver Joshua Palmer (concussion) joins him on the sideline, L.A. may be down to Quentin Johnston, Alex Erickson, Jalen Guyton and Derius Davis as its top options at the position.

Allen (heel) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Popper notes that Allen was spotted taking part in agility work and running off to the side with trainers during the open portion of Thursday's practice, but the veteran wideout didn't mix into drills. Allen hasn't logged any practice reps since making his last appearance in the Chargers' Week 14 loss to the Broncos, and at this stage, he appears to be trending toward missing a third straight game this Sunday in a rematch with Denver.

Allen (heel) didn't practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Allen -- who last suited up in Week 14 -- didn't practice at all last week, so his continued absence Wednesday clouds his status for Sunday's game against the Broncos. With fellow wide receiver Joshua Palmer also missing practice Wednesday due to a concussion, the Chargers' top healthy options at the position are currently Quentin Johnston, Alex Erickson and Jalen Guyton.

Allen (heel) has been ruled out for Saturday night's game against the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Allen thus is slated to miss his second straight game, which sets the stage for Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston to lead the Chargers' Week 16 wide receiver corps, with Jalen Guyton and Alex Erickson also candidates to factor in. Allen's next chance to return to action will arrive Sunday, Dec. 31 against the Broncos.