Rookie C.J. Allen makes first start, records team-high 10 tackles in Colts’ Week 8 loss

The Colts' team report says rookie linebacker C.J. Allen made his first career start in the Week 8 game at EverBank Stadium, playing 45 defensive snaps and leading Indianapolis with 10 tackles in the 42-7 loss that left the team 2-6. The article notes Allen — the club’s 53rd overall pick in April — earned a team-leading 83.9 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and recorded a notable tackle on Trevor Lawrence shortly after the snap. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is quoted lauding Allen’s effort—"He's a 21-year-old kid who's grinding in everything he does...rehabbing his injuries like nobody else"—while saying young players must be "assignment sound" and handle jet motions and run fits. The Colts' report also says Allen’s snap total nearly quadrupled from Week 6, that he had been slated to start in Week 7 before an ankle injury in practice, and that teammate Jaylahn Tuimoloau praised his vocal presence and leadership.

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