Los Angeles Chargers

These three Chargers can't replace Keenan Allen, but they'll try anyway

Published Nov. 3, 2015 8:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Keenan Allen won't return for the final eight weeks with a lacerated kidney.

The Chargers star must be in pain -- just like his offense's chances without their No. 1 wideout.

There's simply no replacing a player who's second in the league in receptions (67) and third in receiving yards (725). But here are three Chargers who'll be asked to play their part for the rest of 2015:

1. Stevie Johnson, wide receiver: The Bolts will miss Allen's physical, bruising brand of receiving. But that's exactly they type of player Johnson was at the height of his powers. He's got 24 catches as a Charger thus far; he can up those stats greatly by assuming some of Allen's role as WR1.

2. Dontrelle Inman, wide receiver: The relative unknown had a big two-game stretch for the Chargers late last year (12 receptions, 158 yards over two games). He'll be asked to stretch that production through eight games now. He'll provide Philip Rivers with a similar, big-bodied target.

3. Danny Woodhead, running back: Allen wasn't just a downfield threat; he was a security blanket for Rivers who's picked up the third-most first downs in football. It means a check-down target like Woodhead will see more of those crucial targets going forward. He'll be up for more work.