On the opening drive of the second half, Jay Cutler was intercepted by Antoine Winfield, who returned the pick 31 yards to the Chicago 40-yard line. Although the interception was only a minor setback for the Bears in their 28-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings, an injury to guard Lance Louis on the return could end up being very costly.
Louis was hammered by Vikings defensive end Jared Allen on a block, left the game with a left knee injury and never returned.
I thought it was a legal hit, Allen said. Hes running to make a tackle, so I just went to block him.
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Allen, who is widely considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL, was quick to point out there was no malice behind the hit.
I never intentionally try to hurt anybody," Allen said. I turned around, he was running trying to make a tackle and I threw myself into him to try to make a block just like were taught.
Someone on the Vikings coaching staff clued Allen in to the extent of the damage.
I think coach said he hurt his knee or something after that," Allen said. My condolences to him and his family. I never ever try to intentionally hurt anybody. Im just trying to make a block and spring our guy down the sidelines, the injury is unfortunate.
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So does Allen expect to be receiving a call from the league for a possible fine?
Thats nothing I can deal with, Allen said. I cant worry about that.
The Vikings get a chance for revenge two weeks from now in Minnesota. Allen will likely be on the field for that game. As far as Louis, we will just have to wait and see how severe the injury Allen caused ends up being.