Allen nears return to Burn lineup

After not missing a game in the first two-plus seasons for the Boise Burn, the last month has been difficult on receiver Casey Allen. ?It?s been extremely frustrating,? the former Linfield University standout admitted. The frustration comes from being forced to the bench?something that hadn?t happened in his professional career?after a knee injury suffered May 16 against Tri-Cities. The team placed its all-time leader in virtually every meaningful receiving category on the injured list the following week, leaving Allen in the unfamiliar position of watching his teammates from the side as he rehabilitates the injury. ?The biggest thing is the range of motion,? Allen said. ?Each day, it gets better and better.? Not good enough, though, to know exactly when he?ll return to the lineup. He?s eligible to be activated from the injured list this week but head coach Brent Winter doesn?t want to rush Allen back into the lineup, despite his importance to the Burn offense. ?His nickname, for me, is ?the glue,?? Winter said of Allen. ?He represents an integral part of our offense, he does the ugly work as a wide receiver.? Such as going across the middle, never a favorite activity of pass-catchers, and blocking linebackers on screen passes and run plays. Before the injury, Allen had hauled in 42 passes in seven games, including eight touchdowns. Despite missing the past four games, his 555 receiving yards remains third on the team behind Nichiren Flowers (688) and Jomo Wilson (652). The Burn returns home Saturday night, June 20, to host the Stockton Lightning. Tickets are available by calling Qwest Arena box office at 208.331.TIXS.