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Colts LBs coach weighs in on rookie CJ Allen’s complete lack of initial playing time

Indianapolis Colts linebackers coach James Bettcher faces the challenge of accelerating the development of young defenders CJ Allen, Bryce Boettcher, and Jaylon Carlies after none of them logged a single defensive snap or tackle in the season-opening contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Allen, selected out of Georgia in the second round of the 2026 draft, surprisingly remained entirely on the sideline for the opener while subsequently disclosing a medical matter.

The defensive unit dealt with wider early-season friction, leading to a defensive play-calling adjustment where linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither takes over green dot helmet duties from safety Camryn Bynum. Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones made his return from an Achilles tendon tear against Baltimore, earning an analytical mark of C as the squad shifts focus to a Sunday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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