Colts expect Allen to play opener despite arrest

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  Stephen HolderSep 1, 2026, 12:35 PM ET

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  Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is expected to play in the team's season opener despite his arrest on Sunday morning for drunken driving, general manager Chris Ballard said.

Allen was arrested and accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. The NFL has not addressed the issue and could well wait until adjudication before handing down and discipline. But Ballard said any internal discipline by the Colts will not involve Allen missing playing time.

"I'm not going to comment on what happened, but what I'm going to tell you is good people make mistakes," Ballard said. "And he's a tremendous human being. Give him some grace."

Asked directly whether Allen would play in the Colts' opening game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13, Ballard said, "he will play." Ballard cited Allen's lack of any character issues in his previous 13 seasons. He said the matter would be addressed by the team but declined to disclose details.

Ballard also said former Colts and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Colts coach Shane Steichen - both of whom worked alongside Allen with the Chargers - vouch for his character.

"Fourteen years in the league and no issues," Ballard said. "Decorated career, decorated teammate. As you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers, I know Phillip holds him in extremely high regard. And [Steichen] was with him. And after you meet his mom and dad, who are just amazing people, we feel good about who he is. Unequivocally feel good about who Keenan Allen is."

Allen signed with the Colts last month to help bolster their wide-receiver unit. The 34-year old ranks 13th in NFL history with 1,055 receptions and has 12,051 receiving yards and 70 touchdown catches.