Green Bay Packers Defense Hit as Zaire Franklin Suffers Leg Injury

Leg fracture sidelines Zaire Franklin

Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin has suffered a hairline fracture in his leg. The injury happened during a team practice session on Thursday.

Franklin was not able to play in Sunday's game, where Green Bay suffered a loss against the Detroit Lions. Before the game, the Packers had described his condition as a shin injury.

Expected return and roster status

Head coach Matt LaFleur provided an update on Friday regarding the linebacker's status. LaFleur said that Franklin is not expected to be placed on injured reserve.

Going on injured reserve would mean a player has to sit out at least four games. Since the team is keeping him off that list, the veteran is expected to miss fewer than four matches overall while recovering from the hairline fracture.

Impact on the Packers defense

Franklin joined Green Bay before this season through an offseason trade with the Colts. He is a ninth year veteran in the league, but this is his first season playing for the Packers.

Even though he is new to the team, he earned the respect of his teammates right away. They elected him as a defensive captain. Being named a captain in the first year with a new franchise is a rare achievement.

On the field, Franklin acts as the main signal caller for the defensive unit. He has also put up strong numbers this year. Franklin ranks third on the team in total tackles, having made 41 tackles so far. In addition, he has registered two quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup.