According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen is expected to play today against the Green Bay Packers despite still dealing with a lingering high-ankle sprain:
#Colts TE Dwayne Allen is banged up with an ankle injury, but source said he is expected to play vs. #Packers today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2016
It makes sense, as Allen was able to participate in practice all week, even finally becoming a full participant during Friday’s practice.
The Colts also signaled that Allen’s ankle was feeling better earlier in the week, when the team released backup tight end Chase Coffman, who was serving as the 3rd tight end in Allen’s absence, in favor of practice squad cornerback Frankie Williams.
With Coffman’s departure, the Colts now have 3 tight ends with Allen along with Jack Doyle and Erik Swoope.
While Doyle and Swoope have filled in nicely in the receiving game–especially in Doyle’s case, the Colts have sorely missed Allen’s blocking ability. No, Allen doesn’t play guard or right tackle, but he is the best blocking tight end the Colts possess and should help at least a little in shoring up the team’s blocking woes as a whole.
On the season, the 5th-year tight end has 18 receptions for 192 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns in 6 starts.
It looks as though he’ll assume the primary tight end responsibilities again, while Doyle should be a staple of 2-tight end sets and in situational packages.