Franklin (foot) was placed on the Panthers' injured reserve list Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Franklin broke his foot on July 29 and has been sidelined since. He was expected to play a big role on Carolina's special-teams unit prior to the injury. It is unclear where his timeline for recovery stands, but the 28-year-old will be eligible to return Week 5 versus the Saints if his health allows it.
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Panthers' Sam Franklin: Breaks foot
Rotowire
Franklin broke his foot during Saturday's practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Head coach Dave Canales called Franklin's injury "a big hit" due to the 28-year-old's value to Carolina's special-teams unit, per David Newton of ESPN.com. Franklin appeared in all 17 of the Panthers' regular-season games last season, recording 30 total tackles and three passes defended, including one interception, while playing a total of 602 snaps (313 on special teams). Once the Temple product is past his foot injury, he's expected to remain an integral part of the Panthers' special-teams unit.
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Panthers' Sam Franklin: Returns to Carolina
Rotowire
The Panthers re-signed Franklin to a one-year contract Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Franklin suited up for all 17 regular-season games with Carolina last season, finishing with 30 tackles (20 solo) and three passes defensed, including an interception which he returned for a 99-yard touchdown in Week 4 against the Vikings. He also played 310 snaps on special teams.
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Panthers' Sam Franklin: Takes advantage of start
Rotowire
Franklin recorded four tackles (two solo) and returned an interception for a touchdown in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings.
Franklin received the start at free safety with Xavier Woods (hamstring) unable to play and took advantage of the opportunity. With the Vikings on the doorstep, the Temple product was able to pick off a pass intended for K.J. Osborn at the one-yard line and take it 99 yards for the first score of the game. It was the 27-year-old's first interception of his career, as well as his first touchdown. With Woods still ailing and potentially facing a multi-week absence, Franklin may get the start again in Week 5 against the Lions.
