Colts’ Zaire Franklin downgraded to doubtful vs. Panthers

Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin was downgraded from questionable to doubtful ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Saturday.

Franklin didn’t practice all week due to a knee injury he picked up during the Week 8 loss against the New Orleans Saints. Even though he didn’t practice all week, he was still listed as questionable on the final injury report.

However, the team announced that Franklin is unlikely to play, which means he will be missing the first game of his career.

Entering Week 9, Franklin is the NFL’s leader in total tackles (102) and solo tackles (64). He’s also added three passes defensed, 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss.

It will be interesting to see how the Colts replace Franklin at the MIKE position. They could slide Shaquille Leonard over and insert E.J. Speed at the WILL or simply replace Franklin with Speed.

Either way, the Colts will be down a key piece to their defense when they visit the Panthers on Sunday in Charlotte.