Colts linebackers struggle in season opener as youth movement stalls
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 9:33 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts are facing challenges early in the season with their younger linebackers. Bryce Boettcher, Jaylon Carlies, and CJ Allen have yet to make an impact, with Boettcher making six tackles in limited snaps while Allen did not play. Linebackers coach James Bettcher emphasizes the need for quicker adaptation to the NFL game for his rookies, acknowledging that Allen's transition has been difficult due to the complexity of offenses. The Colts will need to address their linebacker rotation as they look to improve their defense against strong opponents ahead.
- •Colts linebackers face steep learning curves early this season.
- •CJ Allen, the first-round draft pick, did not play any snaps in the opener.
- •Bryce Boettcher made six tackles in 23 snaps against Baltimore.
- •Jaylon Carlies recorded no statistics in 42 snaps.
- •Bettcher highlights the need for greater decisiveness from young players.
- 9:33 PMYahoo Sports — Colts’ youth movement at linebacker: 0 snaps, 0 tackles, playing too fast
"Indianapolis linebackers coach James Bettcher has to figure out how to speed up the learning process for Bryce Boettcher, Jaylon Carlies and CJ Allen
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