Colts GM defends WR Keenan Allen after DWI arrest, say he will play in season opener: 'Give him some grace'

The Indianapolis Colts are standing by veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen after his arrest on Sunday , and insist he won't miss any games due to internal punishment for the incident this season. Allen was arrested Sunday morning in downtown Indianapolis on preliminary charges of DWI and DWI endangering a person.

Despite that, Allen "will play" in the Colts' season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13, general manager Chris Ballard confirmed Tuesday.

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

Officers approached Allen's car when they noticed that it was parked in a no-parking zone around 1 a.m. on Sunday in downtown Indianapolis. After speaking with him, officers noticed signs of intoxication and arrested him. He was released Sunday afternoon, and reportedly has a court date set for Sept. 16.

While the Colts aren't going to administer any discipline, the NFL could still hit Allen with a fine or suspension. If he is convicted or pleads guilty to a criminal offense related to alcohol, that could be a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

Allen signed a one-year deal with the Colts last month after spending nearly all of his career with the Chargers. He had 777 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 81 catches last season with the Chargers, and is 13th on the NFL's all-time catches list with 1,055. Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is the only active player in the league with more receptions.

Ballard cited Allen's history with the Chargers, and his relationship with former Colts quarterback Philip Rivers and Colts head coach Shane Steichen — who previously worked on staff with the Chargers — when backing Allen.

"Fourteen years in the league and no issues," Ballard said. "Decorated career, decorated teammate. As you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers, I know Philip 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."