Colts rookies are turning early opportunities into momentum fans can bank on

For the Indianapolis Colts, the most encouraging part of the season has been how quickly several rookies have moved from “learning” to meaningful snaps through the first nine weeks.

According to the Colts, rookie defensive end Caden Curry did not expect to be announced as a starter before arriving at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday morning. After his role expanded, Curry’s workload increased from three defensive snaps in Week 1 to 29 in Week 9. The team also reported that he has recorded a fumble recovery in each of the last two games, and he logged his first career sack on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

On defense, linebacker CJ Allen’s rise has included both increased volume and decision-making responsibility. The Colts said Allen went from 0 defensive snaps in Week 1 to 79 in Week 9, and that he has been wearing the green dot. The team also reported Allen totaled double-digit tackles in each of his first two career starts and was close to an interception of Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Defensive coordinator Shane Steichen? (No, per the Colts source, it was Anarumo) The Colts attributed the plan to keep Allen calling the defensive play as well, saying coach Matt? (Again, attribution: Anarumo shared it.) Specifically, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said Allen will remain the defensive play caller for the rest of the season.

The Colts framed that leap in part against a backdrop of leadership change up front. The team noted that captain DeForest Buckner was traded just over two weeks before the reported run of rookie progress, and described the ripple effect both on the field and in the building.

On offense, Indianapolis has found a steady second option at running back in Seth McGowan. The Colts reported that McGowan has become a reliable RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor, and that over the first nine games he has 208 combined rushing yards, more than each of the last two backup running backs totaled over the same span.

The Colts’ throughline is that rookies improving on the field is paired with building habits off it. The team said both coordinators believe extra reps and willingness to learn day-to-day will carry the group forward “down the stretch” and into future seasons.

For fans, the central shift is clear: instead of waiting for experience to arrive later, these rookies are already being trusted with the kinds of roles that show up in game-changing moments.

And for now, that is the story inside the tunnel runs and lineup announcements. The Colts say these players are giving the fan base reasons to see more than a one-season flash, even as “growing to do” remains part of the plan for each young contributor.