The San Diego Chargers got a scare last week when wide receiver Malcom Floyd took a scary hit being sandwiched between Philadelphia's Nate Allen DeMeco Ryans. Floyd had to be carted off the field and immediately taken to the hospital. While head coach Mike McCoy told media that early reports were positive for the wide receiver, Floyd has been ruled out indefinitely.
The injury has officially been diagnosed as a neck injury according to NFL.com. Ian Rapoport reports the wide receiver will also meet with spine specialist Robert Watkins who also treated Rob Gronkowski. Floyd will be out for Week 3 and may not return for weeks after that.
The loss of Floyd is a big one for San Diego. He is one of Philip Rivers' favorite targets, putting up 149 yards on six catches so far this season. Last year he had a career-high 56 catches for 814 yards and five touchdowns. In his absence, Keenan Allen officially becomes the emerging top target. Allen was drafted in the third round back in April with a immense amount of potential.
Fantasy football owners should consider grabbing Allen if he is available. The rookie has been flying under the radar so far this season as Floyd was getting all of the attention. Allen was fourth on the depth chart, but is not moving up and likely going to be seeing a lot more playing time. The receiver has two catches so far this season after recording six grabs for 48 yards in the preseason. While those numbers are small, he put up 2,570 yards and 17 touchdowns in three years of college, so the potential is there if he gets the playing time.
Of course Allen will not get more grabs than Eddie Royal, Antonio Gates or probably Danny Woodhead, but he could be very productive with the attention he is given. On a team with successful veterans, his value has been clouded. However, with one less player on the team, Allen's time is coming. In deep leagues, Allen could add value. He will not produce a ton of impact immediately, but could surprise some people. Rivers will pass a lot and Allen will be there on the field.