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Under-the-radar Colts linebacker capitalizes on opportunity
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- Under-the-radar Colts linebacker capitalizes on opportunity
One less-talked-about linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts is making a roster push early on in training camp.
With CJ Allen still on the PUP list and Akeem Davis-Gaither not practicing on Thursday, Lou Anarumo called on Austin Ajiake to start next to Bryce Boettcher.
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And with that opportunity, Ajiake took advantage. According to the Indy Star's Joel Erickson , Ajiake made a "good run stop" on one play, limited Tyler Warren on a completion, and intercepted a pass from Daniel Jones .
Ajiake seems to have the trust of Lou Anarumo, seeing opportunities on defense during last year's training camp as well.
Ajiake has been with the Colts since the 2023 season, which includes spending most of last year on the 53-man roster as a core special teams contributor.
Ajiake played 296 special teams snaps, contributing to five of the six different phases. He finished third on the team in snaps and was tied for first in total tackles. Out of 211 eligible players league-wide, Ajiake ranked 68th in PFF's special teams grade.
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Defensively, Ajiake played 157 snaps on the year, coming off the bench. He made 14 tackles and held pass catchers to 7.7 yards per reception.
Whether or not Ajiake enters the race for the starting role next to Allen remains to be seen, but his ability to step in as needed and help on special teams makes him a prime candidate to earn a spot on the final roster.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Under-the-radar Colts linebacker capitalizes on opportunity
