Chargers' Allen running sprints just 4 months into ACL recovery

Keenan Allen appears well ahead of schedule as he works his way back from an ACL tear suffered in the regular-season opener.

The San Diego Chargers wide receiver is already running sprints just four months removed from his major knee surgery, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.

Allen still has plenty of work to do in terms of getting back to full strength, as pivoting and making cuts both put far more stress on the joint than running in a straight line.

But making such substantial strides so soon after the injury is an incredibly positive sign for the early stages of Allen's recovery. As things currently stand, it seems possible he could be back in time for a full training camp over the summer.

If healthy, Allen will undoubtedly return as the No. 1 target for Philip Rivers and the Chargers' offense in 2017. Some better luck with injuries may be all the 24-year-old needs to establish himself as one of the NFL's premier wideouts.

Allen racked up 67 receptions for 725 yards and four touchdowns across the first eight games of the 2015 campaign, before a lacerated kidney forced him to miss the rest of the year.