Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin unavailable for start of training camp
Indianapolis Colts' linebacker Zaire Franklin will not be ready for the start of training camp as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery.
When speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Franklin said that he wasn't going to put a timetable on getting healthy, but said that he has been running and is pleased with his progress, according to The Athletic's James Boyd.
"This is a marathon," Franklin told the Indy Star's Nate Atkins.
Franklin would have the ankle procedure back in early May.
Franklin is coming off his most productive season in 2024, which included leading the NFL in tackles, making his first Pro Bowl, along with being named a second-team All-Pro.
He also set a career high with 15 quarterback pressures, four sacks, and two interceptions.
This offseason, the Colts have been implementing a new defensive scheme under Lou Anarumo, one that is more aggressive and disguise-heavy.
In addition to Franklin being out for OTAs and minicamp, so was Jaylon Carlies, who had offseason shoulder surgery. At this time, we do not know if he will be available for the start of training camp.
The Colts' linebacker room overall is inexperienced, and that depth will be tested early on in training camp while Franklin is sidelined.
"They've been doing as much as they can within the rules in terms of their injuries and stuff. But extra meetings with coach Bettcher and just staying ahead of it," Lou Anarumo said of Franklin and Carlies. "Ultimately, they play linebacker, they gotta get down in there and get used to playing football at some point. Hopefully that's sooner than later. But mentally they're trying to stay with it as best they can."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
WATCH: New Texans RB Nick Chubb jukes past defenders for easy TD
Nick Chubb might not be an All-Pro for the Houston Texans, but he's looking the part of a lead running back in practice. Chubb, who is expected to take over as the lead back while Pro Bowl runner Joe Mixon misses a majority of training camp with a foot injury, made several Texans defenders miss him behind the line of scrimmage while he broke past the second level for what would have been a touchdown in a real game. With fans in attendance, No. 21 showed a bit more juice and gave fans something to talk about heading into the afternoon. Here's a clip down below. Chubb, who spent seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns, inked a one-year deal worth $2.5 million in May, though it could be worth up to $5 million if he hits his bonuses. With Mixon's injury, Chubb is going to have the first crack at working through the starting rotation over rookie Woody Marks and Dare Ogunbowale. A 2018 second-round pick out of Georgia, Chubb lived up to the billing with four Pro Bowl appearances and an All-Pro year in 2022. Part of Chubb's tenure — and eventual downfall — in Cleveland was hindered by injuries. He suffered a suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, forcing him to miss the first six games of 2024. Once he returned, Chubb averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per play over his final eight games. In Houston, Chubb hopes to recapture even half of his success prior to his injury while forming a duo with Mixon, who is expected to be back at some point early in the regular season. So far in camp, he's impressed the right people. "He's a pro. Nick has been the same guy. I've always admired Nick from when he was back at Georgia, playing," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "I've always admired him and it's no different. I can see why the guy has been good in his career. It's because he's a hard worker. He doesn't say much, but he shows you by his actions." The Texans return to practice on Monday.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Cowboys give tight end Jake Ferguson $52M extension as Micah Parsons waits for payday
The Cowboys settled up with one of their young stars, as maybe their brightest still awaits a new deal. The Dallas and starting tight end Jake Ferguson agreed to a four-year, $52 million extension, the team announced Sunday. NFL Network's Ian Rappaport first broke the news. The signing marks Ferguson as the highest-paid tight end in franchise history, and also includes a guaranteed $30 million, along with a signing bonus worth $12 million. Even with the deal done, the Cowboys still have a lingering contract issue with defensive star Micah Parsons. Advertisement Ferguson, 26, was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, selected No. 129 overall. 3 Jake Ferguson catches a pass in the endzone during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. Getty Images Over 47 career appearances, including 38 starts, he has recorded 149 receptions for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns. Advertisement His best showing came in 2023 with a Pro Bowl season, where he put up 71 catches, 761 yards, and five touchdowns. Last year, his numbers dipped to 59 receptions for 494 yards across 14 starts, and he did not record a touchdown all season long. Despite the down year, Ferguson lands the extension, securing his role as the Cowboys' starting tight end long-term as he enters his prime years. 3 Jake Ferguson has agreed to an extension with Dallas. Getty Images Advertisement Ferguson's extension puts him as the seventh-highest paid tight end in the NFL, and also guarantees he's signed through at least 2028. Star defender Micah Parsons still awaits his extension. The stud edge rusher is not yet at training camp, hoping that a new lucrative extension blesses his bank account before the start of the season. 3 Micah Parsons looks on from the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Getty Images Advertisement To date, there is no commitment from Dallas, and the fans aren't letting team owner Jerry Jones forget it. Fans heckled Jones at camp over the weekend, and are pleading for the team to ink Parsons long-term. Parsons is entering the last year of his rookie contract, making roughly $24 million this season, and is slated to hit free agency following the 2025 campaign. The Cowboys finished 7-10 last season, in what was an injury-riddled disappointment, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Commanders' Terry McLaurin arrives at camp, put on PUP list
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin arrived at training camp Sunday without a new deal and was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury. "Terry McLaurin has reported and we're very happy about that," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said. "He'll start training camp on PUP for his ankle." McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, was placed on the reserve/did not report list Wednesday. He is seeking an extension as he enters the final season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal. His average annual salary of $22.8 million ranks 17th among receivers. Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase is No. 1, earning an average of $40.2 million, per Spotrac. "On the business side, (Commanders general manager Adam Peters) and his side are still working very hard with Terry and his reps on the business side of things," Quinn said. "While on PUP he'll be working with the trainers." McLaurin was fined $50,000 per day and $200,000 in total after missing the start of training camp. Washington selected McLaurin, a product of Ohio State, in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and was named a second team All-Pro in 2024. McLaurin is coming off a big year, amassing 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 receiving touchdowns in 17 games. It was his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
