Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin will miss Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions because of a shin injury he sustained in practice Thursday. Coach Matt La Fleur said Friday that Franklin, who was not expected to go on injured reserve, will be out for this game. The injury is not considered season-ending.
Franklin is in his first year with the Packers after arriving in an offseason trade with the Colts. The ninth-year veteran quickly became a key part of the defense, earning the defensive captain role, a rare honor for a player in his first season with a team. He ranks second on the team in tackles with 41, and has two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
The Packers already lost Edgerrin Cooper three weeks ago to a torn Achilles. That leaves them facing Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs without both starting inside linebackers. Gibbs ranks second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage per game at 149.4 and fourth in rushing yards per game at 100.8.
Isaiah Mc Duffie and Ty'Ron Hopper have filled in for Cooper. Mc Duffie has started, while Hopper has played almost as many snaps in the rotation over the last two weeks. Hopper, who had an interception in Week 5 against the Bears, will now get a chance to start. La Fleur praised his development, saying the opportunity will give him more reps.
On offense, running back Josh Jacobs is on track to make his season debut Sunday. He missed the first six games while on the commissioner exempt list and practiced this week for the first time since training camp. La Fleur said he expects Jacobs to play, pending how he feels after Friday's practice.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing