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Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen regrets hit on Lance Louis

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen says injury wasn't the intention of his hit that ended the season of Chicago Bears offense lineman Lance Louis in Week 12.

By Steve von Horn
Hannah Foslien

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen ended Lance Louis' season in Week 12 when he launched himself into the Bears' offensive lineman while blocking during an interception return, and says it's unfortunate that the hit resulted in an injury.

The Vikings' defensive star leveled Louis with a controversial block, and days later the Bears were forced to place Louis on injured reserve with a torn ACL.

Allen didn't necessarily apologize, but did try to explain his intent to the media, after the fact (via ESPN Chicago):

"Just making a block on an interception," Allen said. "Like I said before, it was never my intention to hurt a guy. I feel bad that he got hurt. That's obviously never my intention. But 'Toine's coming up the sideline to make a play. I blocked the guy and sometimes bad things happen."

The Bears destroyed the Vikings, 28-10, in Week 12 at Soldier Field. The situation becomes more interesting because the two teams will meet again in Week 14 at the Metrodome. Chicago had to reshuffle its offensive line in the wake of the injury to Louis, and the new blocking unit will be put to the test in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks before the Bears have a second meeting with Minnesota.