LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Keenan Allen practiced for the first time in more than two weeks on Wednesday, following a rest period dedicated to healing his heel.

It’s uncertain whether the star receiver will return for Sunday’s home game against the L.A. Rams, but head coach Matt Eberflus said the team will monitor his progress throughout the week. If all goes well, the week could end with Allen getting a green light.

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That would be a benefit to a Bears offense looking for significant improvement following a slow start to the season.

“He’s another weapon that we have available to us on the offense with a unique set of skills as you know,” Eberflus said in a Wednesday press conference. “We’ve all seen him play. So we’re excited if that comes about that he comes back.”

While the Bears also feature DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, Allen has a unique skill set that makes him a friendly target over the middle and on quick developing routes that could aid an offense that struggles in pass protection.

“It’s going to be great for our offense,” quarterback Caleb Williams said. “It’s just something else that the defense has to worry about throughout this week and then obviously on game day.

“His special talent of getting open in a phone booth is going to be great for us.”

While Allen could bite into his teammates’ target share, he’ll be a huge help to his position group. Defensive backs must always account for Allen, especially on critical downs when drive extension is in play.

“Hopefully way better than it has been because now you don’t just have two people out there,” Moore said. “You got three that you’ve got to worry about. And you can’t just shade it to one side or to one person. With Keenan back in the mix you’ve got to play the whole field.”

That’s especially true after a Week 3 contest against the Colts, where Bears pass catchers came into their own. Odunze had six catches for 112 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Cole Kmet had 10 receptions for 97 yards and a score. Moore had eight for 78, continuing his solid individual start to the season.

Adding Allen to that group should help the passing game be productive even in the face of protection difficulties. He’ll return with more attention paid to Odunze, who proved a threatening presence versus the Colts on deep and intermediate routes.

“He goes out there, wins his one-on-ones down the field, across the field, whatever you’ve got to do,” Moore said. “When I’m getting taken out of the game either with the safety or Cover 2 to my side, he was out there winning, and that’s all you can ask of him.”

While it isn’t ideal to throw a ton, Williams said he’ll do that if it’s required. He expressed that to offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Wednesday morning.

“I was like, ‘If I’ve got to throw the ball 50 times, I’ve got to throw the ball 50 times,’” Williams said. “But if we’re in a flow, we’re running the ball, we’re getting four yards a pop on the play, let’s keep handing the ball off to our running backs and let them be special. So like I said on Sunday after the game, whatever it takes to win the game is what I’m going to do and what I’m happy to do.”

INJURY UPDATE

RT Darnell Wright missed practice on Wednesday with a back issue. That’s something to monitor throughout the week, as it could impact the Bears plans at right guard. Matt Pryor seems in line to start at that spot — he played well vs. Indy over Nate Davis but would likely move outside if Wright can’t go. … DL Darrell Taylor didn’t practice after being sent home sick. DT Zacch Pickens (groin) and DB Terrell Smith (hip) were also unavailable on Wednesday.