Packers rule out Zaire Franklin, list four questionable vs. Lions | Week 7 Injury Report

GREEN BAY – Packers have officially ruled out linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin) and listed four questionable for Sunday's NFC North matchup with the Detroit Lions.

The four questionable are guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe), cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring), receiver Bo Melton (back) and defensive tackle Jordon Riley (Achilles), who's currently on the physically unable to perform list and would need to be added to the 53-man roster to play against the Lions.

Sunday will mark only the second game Franklin has missed in nine NFL seasons, snapping a streak of 48 consecutive games played dating back to Week 8 of the 2023 season when the former All-Pro linebacker sat out against Carolina with a knee injury.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur told reporters on Friday morning that Franklin took a knee to his shin during a collision at practice Thursday. The team does not anticipate the incident will land Franklin on injured reserve, though.

"I don't think it's going to be anything too long term; just unfortunate deal," LaFleur said. "That happens when you play football, especially the way our guys have been practicing. But I think we've got a lot of confidence in Isaiah McDuffie and Ty'Ron Hopper and Nick Niemann, if need be, to go in there and do a great job for us."

McDuffie and Hopper have platooned alongside Franklin since the Packers lost Edgerrin Cooper for the season to a torn Achilles against Tampa Bay in Week 5.

A 2024 third-round pick, Hopper responded the following week with a goal-line interception of Case Keenum in the Packers' 31-7 win over the Chicago Bears. Sunday would mark Hopper's third career NFL start.

"He's maximized (his reps). He's taken advantage of them," LaFleur said. "His progression has been pretty cool to watch, just how he's developed over the years, especially I think we kind of got a good sense early on in training camp that he's on his way, so this will be a great opportunity for him to get even more reps."

The Packers could have reinforcements on the way up front against the Lions and star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, as Riley appears to be nearing a return. The third-year defensive tackle has practiced in a limited capacity the past two weeks, his first on-field work since tearing his Achilles last December.

"Big stout physical D-lineman. Exactly what we need," LaFleur said. "He brings great size, I love his energy, his attitude, it's very contagious. The work he puts in does not go unnoticed by anybody."

Banks has been out since injuring his toe against the New York Jets in Week 2. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound guard was also battling knee tendinitis at the time of his toe injury. Veteran Laken Tomlinson has started the past three games at left guard.

The Packers didn't issue a game status for the following players who will be available: quarterback Jordan Love (back), edge rusher Lukas Van Ness (illness), cornerback Brandon Cisse (shoulder/neck), defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (ankle), and receivers Christian Watson (ankle), Matthew Golden (shoulder) and Savion Williams (ankle).

Lions safety Brian Branch (Achilles) and center Cade Mays (wrist) were full participants in practice this week but are both questionable for Sunday. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (hamstring) does not have a game status and will play.

Green Bay Packers

* The Packers held a walk-thru on Wednesday; participation reports are an estimation.

** Designated to Return from Injured Reserve - Currently within 21-day practice window

Detroit Lions

* The Lions did not practice Wednesday; Practice participation designations for that day are based on estimations.