The Colts will be without starting linebacker Zaire Franklin for a chunk of time this offseason, but he’s expected to be back in time for team training camp.
Indianapolis Colts starting linebacker Zaire Franklin had a cleanup procedure on his ankle earlier this week, but he expects to be cleared before team training camp kicks off during late summer (via Fox59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell):
The first-time NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler this past season recorded 173 tackles (93 solo), 11 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles during all 17 starts.
However, Franklin endured a slow start to the 2024 campaign, before really settling in during the season’s late stretch run.
His return is key as a returning defensive team captain and for him and his teammates’ first season under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Outside of Franklin, the Colts also have major question marks as former starter E.J. Speed departed to the Houston Texans in free agency, and Indianapolis also lost spot-starter and core special teams player Grant Stuard.
Potentially playing alongside Franklin, the Colts have 2nd-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who excelled in coverage as a rookie, but the Indy linebacker cupboard doesn’t otherwise have clear internal options that really stand out right now.
That means getting back Franklin, as the 2nd-level catalyst of the Colts defense, is critical—hopefully which is much sooner rather than later. Those training camp reps could be really important, especially when trying to learn a new defense as one of the unit’s top players.
