Dwayne Allen Injury: Updates on Colts TE's Ankle and Return

The Indianapolis Colts struggled to establish offensive consistency during their Week 3 game against the New York Jets, but that wasn't their only concern, as tight end Dwayne Allen left with an ankle injury that will also force him to miss Week 4, according to the team.

Continue for updates.

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What Allen Means for Colts Offense

Allen is often overshadowed by his talented teammates, but losing him for a significant amount of time would take away some of the Colts’ firepower.

He tallied 395 receiving yards and an impressive eight touchdown catches in 13 games last year, and only Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, Julius Thomas and Rob Gronkowski had more touchdowns among tight ends. Fellow Colts tight end Coby Fleener also had eight touchdown catches.

However, injuries have held him back in the past, which is why this latest setback is worrisome. Mike Wells of ESPN.com pointed out how important it was for Allen to stay healthy in 2015:

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Allen, who is part of the Colts' impressive 2012 draft class, has missed 18 games the past two seasons because of injuries.

Allen not only needs to be healthy to help the Colts this season, but he's also heading into the final year of his contract.

Allen said he doesn't feel any pressure, but there is some. While the Colts say they want to retain as many of their core players as they can, they may not be able to do so with left tackle Anthony Castonzo, quarterback Andrew Luck and tight end Coby Fleener all also up for new contracts.

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If Allen does not quickly return to action, the Colts still have Fleener as a dangerous tight end who can stretch the field.

What’s more, T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett are all solid wide receiver options in the passing attack. Hilton is one of the best receivers in the league, Johnson is a proven weapon who could be on his way to the Hall of Fame and Dorsett boasts plenty of upside as a 2015 first-round draft pick.

While Allen provides important depth, Indianapolis has more than enough pieces for the passing attack to thrive while he is out with his injury.