This Sunday will be the closest Chargers receiver Keenan Allen has been to returning to the field since week one when he sustained a hamstring injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Chargers coach Brandon Staley said that Allen will be a game-time decision.

“He’s closer,” Staley said. “He had a good week, was in practice, not only individual but during team. It was a good day today and we’ll see how he responds tomorrow.”

Allen was limited all week during practice. On Friday, he participated in red zone walkthrough, which was a positive sign.

“I just think earlier in the week I was still a little sore having not ran for maybe a week,” Allen said. I think just knocking off the rest, knocking off some scar tissue, felt good.”

He has missed five games already and suffered a minor setback before the week four matchup against Houston. The Chargers are going to be patient with him. Staley did mention that if he does return Sunday, it will be on a pitch count.

The Chargers currently sit at 4-2 and are in a divisional tie with the Kansas City Chiefs. After Sunday’s game against Seattle, they go into their bye week, so there is the temptation to let Allen rest two more weeks and return against the Atlanta Falcons.

“If I’m on the fence, then I don’t even think it’s going to be a questionable thing,” Allen said. “So, it’s either yes or no at this point. Either I can or I can’t.”  

Joseph-Day questionable for Sunday

Chargers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. He has been dealing with an ankle injury.

He was limited all week during practice.

“Sebastian will go,” Staley said. “He’ll go. On the injury report, he’s going to be questionable. He’s a rugged guy. He’s not going to miss this one.”

Nuts N’ Bolts

• Staley said that fourth round pick Isaiah Spiller will be the third running back on Sunday, so he will dress.

Injury report. OUT: K Dustin Hopkins (right hamstring), TE Donald Parham (concussion), WR Joshua Palmer (concussion). Questionable: WR Keenan Allen (hamstring), DL Sebastian Joseph-Day (ankle).