The Green Bay Packers fell 20-17 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, a loss the team’s players partly blamed on costly roughing-the-passer penalties. Starting middle linebacker Zaire Franklin missed the game with what the team had called a shin injury, suffered in practice the previous Thursday.
Franklin, 30, ranks third on the team with 41 tackles in his first season in Green Bay after an offseason trade sent him from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. He has added two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup through six games. A clearer picture of his injury and its severity has now emerged.
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Zaire Franklin has hairline fracture in leg
Zaire Franklin, who missed last week’s game after getting accidentally kicked in practice, suffered a hairline fracture in his leg, sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Green Bay did not place him on injured reserve, and the team believes he can return while missing minimal games.
#Packers LB Zaire Franklin, who missed last week’s game after getting accidentally kicked in practice, suffered a hairline fracture in his leg, sources say.
Green Bay did not place him on Injured Reserve, and they believe he can return while missing minimal games. pic.twitter.com/UZsTXXkY65
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2026
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Center Sean Rhyan is also believed to have a high-ankle sprain after leaving Sunday’s loss with an ankle injury, per Rapoport. X-rays came back negative, and he is set for an MRI on Monday.
Why Zaire Franklin’s injury timeline matters for the Packers
Keeping Franklin off injured reserve signals Green Bay expects him back within four games. Had the Packers placed him on IR, he would be sidelined until at least their Week 13 game against the New Orleans Saints, given their Week 11 bye.
Franklin’s short week leaves little time to heal before Thursday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, making his return against Carolina unlikely.
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