Linebacker Zaire Franklin is officially out for the Green Bay Packers’ Week 7 clash against the Detroit Lions, dealing a massive blow to their defensive plans. With Franklin sidelined due to a shin issue, and starting Will linebacker Edgerrin Cooper already out, the Packers are staring down a lineup where both their starting Mike and Will linebackers against Detroit will be backups. That means Isaiah McDuffie stepping up at Mike and Ty’Ron Hopper taking over at Will.
Packers’ Defense in the Hot Seat, Special Teams Hit Hard
This isn’t just about missing two starters, it’s about tearing up the tactical playbook. Before Franklin’s injury, the Packers were trying to split the Will linebacker duties between McDuffie and Hopper. Why? So both guys could still get some reps on special teams, adding crucial depth there. Now that both McDuffie and Hopper are forced into full-time starting roles, playing defense the entire game, Green Bay’s special teams unit is going to need to adjust big time. You’ve got to wonder how that’s going to shake out in the kicking game, because those contributions are vital.
More Injury Woes for Green Bay, But Detroit Could Get a Boost
It’s not just Franklin giving the Packers headaches. They listed four other players as questionable on their final injury report. Guard Aaron Banks is dealing with a knee and toe issue and *might* have been slated to start at left guard this week. That’s a potential starter gone, which is never good. Beyond Banks, receiver Bo Melton (back), defensive lineman Jordon Riley (Achilles), and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring) are also questionable. These guys are mostly depth pieces, but losing depth always hurts, especially this deep into the season.
On the flip side, the Detroit Lions might be getting some firepower back. Center Cade Mays and safety Brian Branch, both coming off stints on the injury lists, are questionable for Sunday. These aren’t just any players either; both Mays and Branch are notable starters for Detroit. Getting either or both of them back would be a huge “shot in the arm” for the Lions as they head into this Week 7 matchup against a shorthanded Packers squad. This game just got a whole lot more interesting for both sides.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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