Why Colts' second round draft pick isn't seeing any playing time

For the second time in four games, Indianapolis Colts’ rookie linebacker CJ Allen did not play any defensive snaps.

Akeem Davis-Gaither played 62 of the 64 offensive snaps, while Jaylon Carlies and Bryce Boettcher continued to rotate at the WILL linebacker position. Even Austin Ajiake was on the field for 17 snaps.

But why not Allen?

“Two totally different positions,” DC Lou Anarumo said of Ajiake and Allen. “Double-A (Ajiake) went out there in a pass situation, where we were anticipating a certain thing. He plays dime, CJ plays backer. Akeem’s playing well right now, we were playing well. CJ’s getting better each week in practice. He will get his opportunities.”

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#Colts linebacker snap count from Sunday (64 snaps):

Akeem Davis-Gaither: 62
Jaylon Carlies: 30
Bryce Boettcher: 18
Austin Ajiake: 17
CJ Allen: 0

Lou Anarumo today on Allen, who is a MIKE linebacker and is not rotating with the trio of WILL linebackers: pic.twitter.com/4gHcuGCPS1

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 6, 2026

Anarumo also mentioned that with it being a relatively low snap count on Sunday, there was no need to rest Davis-Gaither.

Entering Week 5, Allen has been on the field for just 11 defensive snaps. According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Rams tight end Max Klare is the only other second-round pick this year to play fewer snaps (10) than Allen.

While the Colts are heavily rotating players at the WILL linebacker position, the team views Allen strictly as a MIKE linebacker, and with Indianapolis happy with how Davis-Gaither is performing in that role, Allen is the backup.

So for the time being, it doesn’t sound like his snap count is going to be increasing.

“Not down on CJ,” Anarumo added, “he’s working his tail off. He’ll have his opportunity.”

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Why Colts’ second round draft pick isn’t seeing any playing time