Allen Starts, Leads Colts in Tackles
Rookie linebacker CJ Allen made his first career start in the Colts' 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Indianapolis Colts rookie linebacker CJ Allen made his first career start against the Jacksonville Jaguars and led the team with 10 tackles in a 42-7 loss. Allen had missed the previous week's game against the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury sustained in practice.
Why it matters
Allen's first start and production come as the Colts work to develop young talent on defense amid a lopsided loss. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's staff views him as a potential long-term mainstay on that unit.
Allen played 45 defensive snaps and recorded a team-high 10 tackles, earning a PFF run defense grade of 83.9, the highest on the team. He was drafted 53rd overall in April.
The players
CJ Allen
A rookie linebacker out of Georgia who was drafted 53rd overall and made his first career start for the Colts in Week 8.
Lou Anarumo
The Colts' defensive coordinator whose staff believes Allen can become a mainstay, impact player on defense for the rest of the 2026 season and beyond.
The details
Allen flew through an opening in the Jaguars' offensive line to tackle quarterback Trevor Lawrence just over two seconds after the snap. He was slated to replace Akeem Davis-Gaither at middle linebacker, with Davis-Gaither moving to the weak side.
Timeline
April 2026: Allen selected 53rd overall in the NFL draft.
Week 7: Allen sidelined by an ankle injury and missed the Vikings game.
Week 8: Allen makes his first career start against Jacksonville.
Season Trajectory
Allen's emergence gives the Colts a developing linebacker on a defense that has struggled, which matters for the team's position in the AFC South race. Early performance from rookies in this role often shapes depth chart decisions for the remainder of a season.
Allen's role in the middle of the Colts' defense now carries into the rest of the season, affecting the depth chart for fantasy rosters tracking linebackers. His snap count and tackle output in this start give fantasy managers a concrete baseline to weigh going forward.
The takeaway
Rookie playing time often grows from early chances, so watching how Allen's snap count develops over the next several weeks will show whether he is settling into a lasting starting role.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves and season, see Indianapolis Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlanta Leader.
