The Los Angeles Chargers hope to capitalize on what was an impressive first season in their return to the City of Angels. Philip Rivers and company exceeded expectations in a difficult situation, and now they'll look to take another step forward in the 2018 NFL season.
Although the Chargers will now be a team to watch in the AFC next season, Los Angeles suffered a major blow recently with up-and-coming tight end Hunter Henry going down with a severe knee injury. Henry will miss the entire 2018 campaign as a result of the injury, and that will put some added pressure on star wide receiver Keenan Allen who will be looked to help pick up the slack in crucial moments, according to ESPN's Eric D. Williams.
With tight end Hunter Henry out for the year after suffering a season-ending knee injury during offseason work, the Chargers will rely even more on Allen to make things happen in critical situations, such as on third down and in the red zone.
Henry has played a significant role during his first two seasons with the Chargers as he's become a viable successor to future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates at the tight end position. The Arkansas product has scored 12 touchdowns in these last two seasons and was expected to have another solid year in 2018.
Allen, however, has dealt with numerous health issues over the course of his career in the NFL. Before having a breakout season in 2017, the 26-year-old struggled to stay healthy the two previous seasons playing a total of nine games.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, Allen played in all 16 games for the Chargers last season and put up some solid numbers. Allen recorded a career-high 102 receptions to go along with 1,393 yards and six touchdowns. These stats could be on the rise next season if he's expected to shoulder the load left by Hunter's injury.
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