Green Bay Packers linebacker and defensive captain Zaire Franklin will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions after taking a knee to the shin during a practice collision Thursday.
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the injury Friday, saying Franklin is out for the NFC North matchup at Ford Field. The 30-year-old is not expected to land on injured reserve, so the absence should be limited to one game.
“Unfortunately, Zaire, there was a little collision — he got kneed in the shin,” LaFleur said. “So, he’s going to be out this game.”
LaFleur added that the issue does not appear serious enough for a longer absence. The Packers entered the week with questions already surrounding cornerback Brandon Cisse, who was limited in practice Friday and Saturday.
“I don’t think it’s going to be anything too long-term,” LaFleur said. “But, yeah, just (an) unfortunate deal. That happens when you play football, especially the way our guys have been practicing.”
Green Bay enters the game at 4-2, while Detroit sits at 3-2 after a bye. The Packers are looking for a fourth straight win. Franklin has been the on-field signal-caller, known as the green-dot holder, in his first season with the team after arriving in a March trade from the Indianapolis Colts.
He ranks second on the Packers with 41 tackles through six starts. He also has two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Franklin quickly became a key piece and was elected a defensive captain, an uncommon step for a player in his first year with a club.
The veteran spent his first eight seasons in Indianapolis, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. He has 779 tackles, 10 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and three interceptions in 138 career games, including 88 starts. The 2018 seventh-round draft pick has been a consistent tackle leader throughout much of his career.
Franklin’s absence adds to an already depleted linebacker group. Edgerrin Cooper is out for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon earlier this year. The Packers will face Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs without both of their original starting inside linebackers.
Isaiah McDuffie is expected to take over the green-dot duties. He has called the defense before and provides experience. Ty’Ron Hopper, a 2024 third-round pick who split snaps alongside Franklin last week, is in line for a larger starting role. Former Chiefs linebacker Nick Niemann could also see action.
“I think we’ve got a lot of confidence in McDuffie, and Hopper, and Nick Niemann if need be, to go in there and do a great job for us,” LaFleur said.
The Packers have already lost multiple key contributors to season-ending injuries this year, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, safety Jaylen Reed, right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and Cooper. Depth has been tested across the roster as the team has stayed in contention in the NFC North.
The full injury report with official game statuses was expected later Friday. Franklin’s short-term absence tests the linebacker depth, but the Packers hope the group can hold up against a Lions offense that ranks among the league’s more productive units.
The game is set for Sunday afternoon at Ford Field. Green Bay’s defensive communication and run support will draw extra attention without its captain in the middle.
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