Allen played sparingly for the Bengals in 2021 after six seasons with the Falcons. Allen never topped his rookie year numbers, and recorded 11 interceptions in 77 NFL starts. He entered the league in 2014 as a cornerback before transitioning to safety in 2015 for Atlanta. 

Allen spent the minimum three games on IR and should return Sunday against the Packers. The 29-year-old will serve as the Bengals' No. 3 safety behind Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell.  

Allen suffered a broken hand in the season opener and has been on injured reserve since. He was cleared to practice Wednesday. The Bengals will now have a 21-day period to activate Allen to the 53-man roster. If they do not add Allen to the active roster the 29 year-old safety will revert to season-ending IR.

Allen will miss at least three weeks, and represents a downgrade to the Bengals' secondary depth. The Bengals signed S Sean Davis to their practice squad in a corresponding move. The Bengals travel to Chicago to face Andy Dalton in Week 2.