Colts TE Allen lost for season with hip injury

Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen is facing season-ending hip surgery, coach Chuck Pagana said Wednesday.

Allen was injured in the Colts' season opener against the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 8 and sat out last Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. He had one catch in the opener that resulted in a 20-yard touchdown.

As a rookie last season, Allen started all 16 regular-season games and had 45 receptions for 521 yards and three touchdowns. He is considered a strong blocker in addition to being a good receiver.

With Allen lost for the season, the burden at tight end falls on second-year pro Coby Fleener. Dominuque Jones also could see more playing time.

Last week, the Colts lost starting running back Vick Ballard for the season with a knee injury.