Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that Keenan Allen is expected to play in the team's season opener despite the wide receiver's recent arrest, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder.
Allen was arrested early Sunday morning, hours after making his preseason debut with the Colts, and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal with the team Aug. 17.
"I'm not going to comment on what happened, but what I'm going to tell you is good people make mistakes," Ballard said of Allen. "He's a tremendous human being. Give him some grace."
The Colts kick off their 2026 campaign Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. Allen has a court date scheduled for Sept. 16.
Ballard added that he feels "good" about Allen as a person.
"Fourteen years in the league and no issues," the Colts GM said. "Decorated career, decorated teammate."
Allen spent 2025 with the Los Angeles Chargers, his 12th season with the franchise. The six-time Pro Bowler also had a one-year stint with the Chicago Bears in 2024. He ranks second among active players with 1,055 career receptions.
