Chargers' Allen out vs. Giants; Williams, Harris Jr. on track to play

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is out after testing positive for COVID. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers' Keenan Allen out vs. Giants; Mike Williams, Chris Harris Jr. on track to play

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/10/21

It was feared throughout the midweek that the Los Angeles Chargers would be without leading wide receiver Keenan Allen for Sunday's game against the New York Giants after Allen tested positive for COVID-19 coming off last Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, head coach Brandon Staley confirmed Friday Allen is out through the weekend.

Fellow Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after they were deemed unvaccinated high-risk close contacts of Allen, but Staley seemed confident those two will be activated by kickoff Sunday as long as they continue to test negative for the virus:

Mike Williams and Chris Harris Jr. continue to test negative, according to Brandon Staley. They are in line to be activated off COVID list in time for Sunday vs. Giants.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 10, 2021

#Chargers Mike Williams & Chris Harris jr. would be eligible to return Saturday.

Mike Williams posted footballs this morning on his IG story which could be interpreted as a positive sign for his likeliness to return
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) December 10, 2021

Per ESPN stats, Williams and running back Austin Ekeler are tied for the team lead with seven touchdown receptions this season, and Williams is second among Chargers receivers behind Allen with 55 catches and 854 receiving yards. Harris, meanwhile, has thus far recorded an interception, two pass breakups, and 26 total tackles.

The Chargers are 7-5, while the struggling Giants enter Sunday at 4-8.

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