
The Facts: After an injury-marred 2018, Allison has returned to an offense that looks much different under HC Matt LaFleur. With Randall Cobb now in Dallas, Allison spent more time working in the slot this offseason as the Packers look to cultivate a new inside weapon. Since his hiring, LaFleur has reiterated receivers won’t be lining up at specific positions on every play. He plans to be multiple, which requires Allison and the rest of Green Bay’s receiving corps to master the entire playbook. Allison says that was a primary focus in training this offseason, and Davante Adams can tell. “He’s the guy who’s been working a lot in the slot, and he’s used to playing a little more outside, but this is making him a little more dynamic,” Adams said.
Diehards Line:
Allison has some past experience inside. He’s played 299 of his 885 career snaps (33.8 percent) from the slot, according to Pro Football Focus. The only difference is adapting to what LaFleur expects from receivers in his scheme. Whatever the case, Allison is aware of LaFleur’s preference of deploying taller “utility” receivers in the middle of the field and feels his skills mesh well with the vision of the offense for 2019. Remember, the 6-3, 202-pound receiver had flashed playmaking potential in the past, including a 122-yard showing against Cincinnati in 2017, but Allison’s steady September production signaled the emergence of a new sustainable threat in the Packers’ offense. After notching his fourth game with at least 60 receiving yards, however, Allison sustained a concussion against Buffalo and then a hamstring injury that sidelined him through Green Bay’s Week 7 bye. He returned against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 28 before requiring surgery for a core muscle injury that ended his season after only five games. He'll be worth watching this summer.