Colts Make Late Roster Move on Keenan Allen Ahead of Commanders London Showdown

The Indianapolis Colts are having a poor start to the 2026 NFL season. The team has lost the first two games of the season, and has only one win in the three games they have played so far this season.

While the Colts are preparing for an epic showdown against the Washington Commanders in London, a late update on one player has been announced.

Colts rule out Keenan Allen for Commanders game

The Colts have announced that wide receiver Keenan Allen has been downgraded to out for their Week 4 matchup against the Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Allen is dealing with a groin injury, and practiced on a limited basis earlier in the week before being listed as a non-participant on October 1, 2026. He was then carrying a questionable designation into the weekend before the recent update that he will not be playing. This is in contrast to the previous communication that no players will be ruled out for the game.

Allen was signed by the Colts in August on a one-year deal worth up to $8.32 million. The six-time Pro Bowler last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. His absence compounds existing depth issues at the position ahead of a crucial clash. Alec Pierce remains sidelined with a heel injury, leaving Josh Downs as the primary receiving option. Additional targets are expected to shift toward Darius Slayton, Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, Deion Burks, and tight end Tyler Warren.

Allen has recorded 13 receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown so far in the 2026 season. He has played in all three games. The 34-year-old previously worked with Colts head coach Shane Steichen for several seasons when he was with the Chargers. He is expected to return for the Week 5 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 11, 2026.

Steichen also talked about one particular opponent player ahead of the Commanders clash.

Colts' Shane Steichen talks about Commanders' Marcus Mariota

Steichen was asked about Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota ahead of facing him in London. According to The Athletic's James Boyd , he said, "He's won a lot of games in the league. A lot of respect for him. Heard a lot of great things about him as the person as well. But very mobile, can make plays with his legs. Very good in the pocket, too, as well."

Mariota has played in 2 games so far this season, only starting one of them. He has completed 30 of 47 passes for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions. He is going to start for the Commanders as they face the Colts at the international game in London.

The Indianapolis Colts will now prepare to face off against the Washington Commanders, and will hope that Keenan Allen's absence will not affect them.