Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen has officially been ruled out of Sunday's NFC Championship game with a fractured foot, according to the Panthers' team Twitter account. If the Panthers are able to advance to the Super Bowl after Championship Sunday, head coach Ron Rivera said the talented defensive lineman would have a chance to play, according to Panthers reporter Max Henson.
The Panthers acquired Allen from the Chicago Bears through a trade in September, and he has been a key leader for their defense. Allen has recorded 27 combined tackles this season with two sacks, but he has yet to play in the Super Bowl in his 12-year NFL career. "Not happy, plain and simple. I'm ready to rock," said Allen, via the Charlotte Observer. "Coach's decision, gotta live with it."
Allen returned to practice on Thursday but likely didn't show enough to Rivera to prove he was ready to go Sunday. The Panthers' defensive end feels that he would be able to play this weekend but will do whatever is necessary to help his team prepare for Sunday's tough matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
While Allen will look to help coach up the defensive line from the sidelines, running back Jonathan Stewart is expected to play despite suffering an ankle injury last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Stewart and running back Fozzy Whittaker were full participants in Friday's practice and are both listed as probable for Sunday.
