Player Card

Fantasy Player Profile Zaire Franklin

  • Zaire Franklin
  • LB #44
  • Zaire
    Franklin
  • AActive
  • Manager: FA
  •  
vs. DET: #26 vs opposing LB - 9.05 FPA
Bye Week14Rank3% Rostered-% Change-WK 11 Pts4.00WK 12 Proj. Pts8.40
2024 Fantasy Stats
   Fantasy
WkOppResultsPts
1HOU
Loss, 27-29
0.00
2@GB
Loss, 10-16
0.00
3CHI
Win, 21-16
0.00
4PIT
Win, 27-24
0.00
5@JAX
Loss, 34-37
0.00
6@TEN
Win, 20-17
0.00
7MIA
Win, 16-10
0.00
8@HOU
Loss, 20-23
9.00
9@MIN
Loss, 13-21
11.00
10BUF
Loss, 20-30
7.50
11@NYJ
Win, 28-27
4.00
12DET
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
0.00
13@NE
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
0.00
14Bye  0.00
15@DEN
Sun 1:25 pmGet Tickets
0.00
16TEN
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
0.00
17@NYG
TBDGet Tickets
0.00
18JAX
TBDGet Tickets
0.00
2024 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1HOU,
L 27-29
4----0.00
2@GB,
L 10-16
5--1-0.00
3CHI,
W 21-16
5----0.00
4PIT,
W 27-24
6----0.00
5@JAX,
L 34-37
2----0.00
6@TEN,
W 20-17
8----0.00
7MIA,
W 16-10
5--1-0.00
8@HOU,
L 20-23
7----9.00
9@MIN,
L 13-21
7-1--11.00
10BUF,
L 20-30
4----7.50
11@NYJ,
W 28-27
3----4.00
12DET,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
13@NE,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
14Bye-----0.00
15@DEN,
Sun 1:25 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
16TEN,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
17@NYG,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
18JAX,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
  • 10.00
  • 20.00
  • 30.00
  • 40.00
  • 50.00
  • 60.00
  • 70.00
  • 89.00
  • 911.00
  • 107.50
  • 114.00
  • 12
Fantasy Points
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14 Bye
  15. 15
  16. 16
  17. 17
  18. 18

News

  • Another 100-tackle season

    Franklin recorded nine tackles (five solo) and a pass breakup in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills.

    Analysis: Franklin currently leads the league with 105 tackles (54 solo) through 10 games, marking his third straight season with 100-plus stops. The 28-year-old is a surefire fantasy starter that hasn't missed a snap this season.

    Published: Mon, Nov 11 at 6:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Back at practice Thursday

    Franklin (ankle) participated at practice Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

    Analysis: Franklin missed practice Wednesday after playing 100 percent of Indianapolis' defensive snaps in Week 9, but he's now a step closer to potentially suiting up again in Week 10. If he can practice in full Friday, he could avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

    Published: Thu, Nov 7 at 10:13am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs DNP on Wednesday

    Franklin (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: The NFL's leading tackler played 100 percent of the Colts' defensive snaps in their Week 9 loss to the Vikings, but it now appears he picked up an ankle injury in the process. Franklin will likely need to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to suit up for Indianapolis' Week 10 matchup against the Bills.

    Published: Wed, Nov 6 at 1:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Picks off pass in loss

    Franklin recorded eight tackles (six solo) and an interception in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings.

    Analysis: The middle linebacker also played on every defensive snap for the ninth time in as many games this season. Franklin leads the league with 95 tackles (48 solo) in 2024.

    Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 7:21pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Colts' leading tackler in loss

    Franklin recorded 11 tackles (seven solo) during Sunday's 23-20 loss at Houston.

    Analysis: Franklin managed double digits in the tackle department for the fifth time this season in Week 8. His 87 tackles through eight games are more than any other player in the league, and he'll be looking to hold onto those bragging rights in Week 9 at Minnesota.

    Published: Tue, Oct 29 at 9:03am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Compiles 16 tackles in win

    Franklin recorded 16 total tackles (five solo) and a forced fumble in Sunday's 16-10 win over the Dolphins.

    Analysis: Franklin was able to compile a season-high 16 stops while also stripping fullback Alec Ingold in the third quarter, which was recovered by teammate Taven Bryan. Through seven games in 2024, Franklin has now produced 76 total tackles (35 solo), two forced fumbles and a pass defensed.

    Published: Tue, Oct 22 at 6:37pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Stacks up nine tackles

    Franklin recorded nine tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Titans.

    Analysis: Franklin is now tied with teammate E.J. Speed for the third-most tackles in the league at 60. He's an every-week starter in IDP formats, and he should be a strong option in Week 7 versus the Dolphins, who need to stick to the run game without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion).

    Published: Mon, Oct 14 at 5:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs 10 tackles in loss

    Franklin recorded 10 tackles (three solo) and one pass breakup in the Colts' loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.

    Analysis: Franklin once again played every defensive snap versus Jacksonville, and it was his third game with double-digit tackles. Coming off a career-best 179 tackles in 2023, Franklin is averaging 10.2 tackles per game through five contests, but he's done little else in the box score, with just one pass breakup and one forced fumble.

    Published: Mon, Oct 7 at 5:42pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared on injury report

    Franklin (illness) was a full participant during practice Thursday.

    Analysis: Franklin logged a DNP on Wednesday as he worked to recover from an illness. With his ability to log a full practice Thursday, he should be all good to go Sunday against the Jaguars.

    Published: Thu, Oct 3 at 12:49pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Under the weather

    Franklin (illness) did not practice Wednesday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Franklin will receive the day off to recuperate, although it's not clear if he is in any real danger of missing Sunday's game against the Jaguars. His practice status will be worth monitoring Thursday and Friday, to make sure he's good to go for Week 5.

    Published: Wed, Oct 2 at 1:34pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Tallies nine tackles vs. Steelers

    Franklin registered nine tackles (six solo) during Sunday's 27-24 win over Pittsburgh.

    Analysis: Franklin finished Sunday's game as the second-leading tackler for the Colts behind E.J. Speed (13). Franklin has played every single defensive snap through the first four games of the regular season, and his 41 total tackles ranks 10th in the NFL.

    Published: Tue, Oct 1 at 4:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Has 15 tackles in win

    Franklin had 15 total tackles in Sunday's win over Chicago.

    Analysis: Franklin is averaging 11 total tackles per game after averaging 11.2 tackles per game last year. Franklin doesn't offer much in terms of pass rush or his work in coverage, but he'll stuff the stat sheet with high tackle totals.

    Published: Mon, Sep 23 at 6:04pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Double-digit stops in loss

    Franklin recorded 10 total tackles (five solo) and a forced fumble in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Packers.

    Analysis: Franklin was able to cross the double-digit tackles threshold for the first time this season after doing so 11 times in 16 contests last year. Additionally, he punched the ball out as Packers' running back Josh Jacobs was on the verge of scoring a touchdown in the second quarter, which was ultimately recovered by his Franklin's teammate Laiatu Latu. Through two games in 2024, Franklin has registered 18 total tackles (nine solo) as the team's starting middle linebacker.

    Published: Mon, Sep 16 at 9:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Getting three-year extension

    The Colts signed Franklin to a three-year, $31.3 million contract extension Monday, Stephen Holder of ESPN reports.

    Analysis: Franklin, who was No. 2 in the NFL last season with 179 tackles (107 solo), was already under contract for 2024, but this extension leaves him set to start at middle linebacker in Indianapolis for the foreseeable future. The 2018 seventh-round pick began his career as a special-teams ace but has since transformed into a verifiable fantasy standout in IDP formats.

    Published: Mon, Mar 11 at 10:06am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • NFL's second leading tackler in '23

    Franklin recorded nine tackles (three solo) in Saturday's 23-19 loss versus the Texans.

    Analysis: Over 16 games this season, Franklin recorded 179 tackles (107 solo) including 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Somehow, he improved on his monster year in 2022, finishing with more total tackles than everyone in the league except for Bobby Wagner (183). He's under contract for 2024 and currently projects to start at middle linebacker for the Colts come Week 1.

    Published: Mon, Jan 8 at 2:02pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Continues to lead NFL in tackles

    Franklin registered 10 tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Raiders.

    Analysis: Franklin is now up to 170 tackles on the season, which surpasses his previous career high of 167 he set in 2022. He's reached that mark in two less games and still leads the league in tackles ahead of Bobby Wagner and Foye Oluokun. Franklin has a chance to seal the annual tackle leader title in the Colts' regular-season finale against the Texans on Saturday.

    Published: Mon, Jan 1 at 2:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs double-digit tackles

    Franklin compiled 12 tackles (nine solo) and a pass deflection during Indianapolis' 29-10 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

    Analysis: Franklin recorded double-digit tackles for the tenth time in 14 games this season and also compiled the second most on the team in Sunday's matchup. The 27-year-old is now just six tackles shy of his career-best 167 that he compiled last season.

    Published: Mon, Dec 25 at 1:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Posts big tackle total Week 14

    Franklin racked up 14 tackles (six solo), including one for loss, in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati.

    Analysis: Franklin led the Colts in stops in the contest with his ninth double-digit tackle effort of the campaign. The linebacker has been on a bit of a downswing with 13 stops over his previous two games combined, but he bounced back in a big way against the Browns. Franklin leads the NFL with 144 total tackles this season.

    Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 4:48pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Posts double-digit tackles

    Franklin compiled 15 tackles (12 solo) and forced a fumble in Sunday's 10-6 win over the Patriots.

    Analysis: Franklin once again piled up the tackles, recording a double-digit total for the eighth time in nine games. The 27-year-old remains the league leader in the category with 117 on the season. Now, Indianapolis heads into its bye week before a matchup with Tampa Bay in Week 12.

    Published: Mon, Nov 13 at 12:02pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Good to go Sunday

    Franklin (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Patriots in Frankfurt, Germany, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

    Analysis: Franklin -- who sat out last week's win over Carolina -- had been listed as questionable heading into Sunday, after the knee injury kept him from practicing Wednesday before he upgraded to limited activity Thursday and then full participation Friday. Based on how he was able to finish the week of practice, Franklin isn't expected to face any restrictions Sunday. He should once again shape up as an elite IDP option after tallying double-digit tackles in all but one of his first eight appearances…read more

    Published: Sun, Nov 12 at 5:14am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Could play Sunday

    Franklin (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots.

    Analysis: The 27-year-old linebacker seems to be trending in the right direction to play this Sunday, as he went from not practicing Wednesday to logging a full session Friday. Franklin has been integral to Indianapolis' defense this year, recording 104 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in eight games. Segun Olubi is expected to have an increased workload if Franklin is unable to suit up this weekend.

    Published: Fri, Nov 10 at 1:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses practice again Wednesday

    Franklin (knee) didn't practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: Franklin missed last Sunday's game against the Panthers with the knee injury. Despite the missed contest, Franklin still leads the league with 102 combined tackles and 64 of the solo variety. He'll try to get back out on the field for Week 10 against the Patriots in Germany.

    Published: Wed, Nov 8 at 5:57pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Inactive Sunday

    Franklin (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

    Analysis: The starting middle linebacker was listed as questionable Friday and then doubtful Saturday after missing practice all week. Franklin has 102 tackles, three passes defensed and a forced fumble in 2023. His absence should open up playing time for Segun Olubi.

    Published: Sun, Nov 5 at 11:43am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Trending in wrong direction

    Franklin (knee) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

    Analysis: Franklin didn't practice all week, so Saturday's injury designation change likely isn't a good omen. The NFL's leading tackler thus appears unlikely to suit up Sunday, meaning E.J. Speed and Shaquille Leonard could be primed for more opportunities.

    Published: Sat, Nov 4 at 8:47am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Listed as questionable for Week 9

    Franklin (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

    Analysis: Franklin missed practice all week, so he sounds like a true game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 1 PM ET kickoff. Franklin leads the NFL in tackles with 102 and also paces the league with his 64 solo takedowns. He's played 98 percent of Indy's defensive snaps. Franklin would be sorely missed if he's unable to go against Carolina.

    Published: Fri, Nov 3 at 1:44pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses practice Wednesday

    Franklin (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

    Analysis: Franklin exited Sunday's game with the knee injury, but returned to the game and finished with 14 tackles (six solo). He's up to 102 tackles on the season and is the first player in the league to reach 100-plus tackles on the year. His practice participation over the rest of the week will indicate his availability for Week 9 against the Panthers.

    Published: Wed, Nov 1 at 5:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Surpasses 100 tackles Sunday

    Franklin had 14 tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 38-27 loss to the Saints.

    Analysis: Franklin has registered double-digit tackles in seven of eight games this season and has played in 100 percent of defensive snaps in five of those contests, though he didn't reach that mark Sunday. Franklin has been a tackling machine all season long and is the first player in the league to reach 100-plus tackles on the year with 102. He's well on pace to surpass the 167 tackles he had in 2022 and will look to keep his spot as the league's tackle leader in Week 9 against the Panthers.

    Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 5:38pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Injures knee Sunday

    Franklin (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Saints, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

    Analysis: Franklin was up to four tackles on the day before leaving the game. He went to the medical tent before going back to the locker room. Tony Brown has taken over at cornerback in Franklin's absence.

    Published: Sun, Oct 29 at 11:17am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Productive in loss

    Franklin recorded 11 tackles (nine solo) during Indianapolis' 39-38 loss to the Browns on Sunday.

    Analysis: Franklin led the team in tackles, bringing his total to 88 (58 solo) on the season. The 2018 seventh-round pick has now logged double-digit tackles in all but one game and will look to produce again versus the Saints next week.

    Published: Mon, Oct 23 at 5:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Double-digit tackles in win

    Franklin recorded 12 tackles (seven solo) while also deflecting a pass in Sunday's 23-16 win over the Titans.

    Analysis: Franklin has now registered at least 12 tackles in each of the Colts' first five games of the year, compiling 69 total takedowns to this point. The linebacker continues to be one of the most productive players at his position in the league.

    Published: Mon, Oct 9 at 6:52pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Team's leading tackler again

    Franklin recorded 12 tackles (seven solo) and a half sack in Sunday's 29-23 overtime loss versus the Rams.

    Analysis: Despite exiting Sunday's contest for a brief period of time due to a back injury, Franklin still finished as the Colts' tackling leader. He's now reached double-digit stops in each of the Colts' first four games to go with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He'll be a top-tier IDP option again when Indianapolis hosts Tennessee in Week 5.

    Published: Tue, Oct 3 at 11:16am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Back in the game

    Franklin (back) returned to the game Sunday versus the Rams, Kevin Bowen of The Wake Up Call reports.

    Analysis: Franklin was briefly unavailable with a back injury, but he's ready to go for the rest of the game. To this point, the middle linebacker has eight tackles against Los Angeles.

    Published: Sun, Oct 1 at 12:44pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with back injury

    Franklin (back) is considered questionable to return Sunday versus the Rams, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Franklin suffered a back injury in the second half and it's unclear if he'll be able to come back Sunday. In his absence, Segun Olubi will see a larger workload at middle linebacker.

    Published: Sun, Oct 1 at 12:40pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leads team in tackles again

    Franklin recorded 15 tackles (11 solo), including a sack, in Sunday's 22-19 overtime win at Baltimore.

    Analysis: Franklin logged double-digit tackles and led his team in tackles for the third time in as many games this season, a lightning-fast start after he broke a franchise record for tackles in a single season in 2022. He's currently on pace for more than 250 tackles over a full season this year, so he'd still register near the top of the IDP radar even if he slowed down significantly in the coming weeks.

    Published: Mon, Sep 25 at 11:15am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leads Colts with 13 stops

    Franklin racked up 13 tackles, including one for loss, in Sunday's Week 2 win over Houston.

    Analysis: Franklin has played every defensive snap for Indianapolis through two weeks and leads the NFL with 30 tackles. The star linebacker set a franchise record with 167 stops last year and could challenge that number based on his output so far in 2023. Franklin is among the top IDP assets in fantasy.

    Published: Mon, Sep 18 at 6:25pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Has 18 tackles in loss

    Franklin had 18 total tackles, a pass defensed and forced a fumble in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.

    Analysis: Franklin picked up where he left off last season as a tackle machine (franchise record 167 in 2022) in the loss. He also had a heads-up play where he forced a fumble from rookie Tank Bigsby when the latter thought the play was over, leading to a DeForest Buckner return touchdown.

    Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 2:48pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sets franchise record in 2022

    Franklin (ankle) tallied a career-high 167 tackles (102 solo), three sacks and six passes defended over 17 games in the 2022 season.

    Analysis: Franklin more than quadrupled his previous career high for tackles while stepping up in place of star linebacker Shaquille Leonard (neck/back) this season. The 26-year-old Franklin did exit with a groin injury during the Week 18 loss to Houston, though he was able to return and record four more tackles before the end of this contest, according to Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site. As a result, the 2019 seventh-round pick set the new franchise record for tackles in a single season,…read more

    Published: Thu, Jan 19 at 3:53pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leaves with injury Sunday

    Franklin (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Texans, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Franklin has already logged four tackles during Sunday's regular-season finale, though his return for the remainder of the second half is now up in the air. The 26-year-old has played nearly every defensive snap for Indianapolis this season. In his stead, E.J. Speed will likely take on a bigger role alongside Bobby Okereke for the time being.

    Published: Sun, Jan 8 at 12:09pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs double-digit tackles again

    Franklin tallied 10 tackles (seven solo) and two passes defended during Sunday's 38-10 defeat versus the Giants.

    Analysis: Franklin posted his 10th outing with at least 10 tackles, though he still finished second on the team in tackles behind weakside linebacker Bobby Okereke (17). However, the strongside linebacker still leads the team in tackles for the season with 160 compared to Okereke's 146. Franklin also reached six passes defended this season, and these two should continue to serve prominent roles Week 18 against the Texans.

    Published: Tue, Jan 3 at 7:31pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs sack in loss

    Franklin accumulated nine tackles (five solo) and one sack in Monday's 20-3 loss to the Chargers.

    Analysis: While Franklin had a streak of five consecutive games with double-digit sacks snap, he was still productive in the contest. He was one of three Colts to be on the field for all 68 defensive snaps. The 26-year-old shows no signs of slowing down ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

    Published: Tue, Dec 27 at 6:17pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Double-digit stops once again

    Franklin recorded 10 tackles (six solo) and one forced fumble during Saturday's 39-36 overtime loss to the Vikings.

    Analysis: Franklin jarred the ball loose from running back Dalvin Cook midway through the first quarter of the Week 15 matchup in Minnesota, while he also logged his fifth consecutive contest with at least double-digit stops Saturday. The 26-year-old now has a team-leading 141 tackles across 14 games played this season, and he'll likely retain his every-down role when Indianapolis hosts the Chargers next Monday night.

    Published: Mon, Dec 19 at 6:30am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leading tackler in blowout loss

    Franklin recorded 10 tackles (six solo) and one pass defended in Sunday's 54-19 loss to the Cowboys.

    Analysis: Franklin played every defensive snap for the 11th time this season, as Dallas did not truly pull away until midway through the fourth quarter. The starting linebacker has now recorded double-digit tackles in eight of 13 games this season, including each of the last three weeks. Franklin's prominent role in the middle of Indianapolis' defense has led him to record the second-most tackles (131) in the NFL so far this season. However, his position among the league's top tacklers could take a step…read more

    Published: Tue, Dec 6 at 9:15pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs 11 tackles Monday

    Franklin recorded 11 tackles (five solo) during Monday's 24-17 loss to the Steelers.

    Analysis: Franklin wound up playing every defensive snap after coming into Monday's contest questionable with an illness. As a result, the linebacker led the Colts in stops while logging his seventh double-digit tackle performance of the season. Over 12 weeks, Franklin now has 121 tackles, one sack and three passes defended, and, barring injury, he should finish the 2022 campaign as one of the league's leading tacklers.

    Published: Tue, Nov 29 at 7:49pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will suit up Monday

    Franklin (illness) is active Monday against the Steelers.

    Analysis: Franklin came down with an illness at the end of the week and missed practice Saturday, but he's recovered enough to suit up Monday. The linebacker is in the midst of a breakout campaign, taking the field for 100 percent of the Colts' defensive snaps in all but one game so far this season and already more than doubling his career-best mark with 110 tackles, which ranks fourth in the league heading into Monday night.

    Published: Mon, Nov 28 at 4:16pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Could be sidelined Monday

    Franklin (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Monday's game against the Steelers.

    Analysis: Franklin did not appear on the Colts' Week 12 injury report before popping up as a non-participant during practice Friday, as he appears to have come down with an illness. While the nature of this ailment is still unknown, his ability to suit up for Monday Night Football could be in serious jeopardy. If Franklin is ultimately sidelined, JoJo Domann would likely see increased usage behind linebackers Bobby Okereke and E.J. Speed.

    Published: Sun, Nov 27 at 11:20am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Collects game-high 12 stops

    Franklin recorded 12 tackles (five solo), 0.5 sacks and one forced fumble in Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Eagles.

    Analysis: Following Sunday's 12-tackle effort by Franklin, he now leads the league with 109 stops through the first 11 weeks of the 2022-23 campaign. The 26-year-old has six double-digit tackling performances to this point in the season, and he'll look to continue his impressive play when Indianapolis hosts the Steelers on Monday night.

    Published: Tue, Nov 22 at 5:04pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Active against Eagles

    Franklin (illness) is active in Week 11 against Philadelphia.

    Analysis: Franklin is the Colts' leading tackler and coming off his fifth double-digit tackle performance of the season in Week 10, but an illness going around the team had kept him out of practice all week. In the end, he'll overcome the "questionable" tag and suit up for the contest.

    Published: Sun, Nov 20 at 8:42am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leads team in stops

    Franklin logged 10 tackles (seven solo), including one tackle for loss, during Sunday's 25-20 win over the Raiders.

    Analysis: Franklin logged double-digit tackles for the fifth time in 10 games played this season. The fifth-year linebacker also fell just shy of playing every defensive snap for Indianapolis for the first time in 2022, and he is now three stops away from the first 100-tackle campaign of his career. With star linebacker Shaquille Leonard (neck) now expected to miss the remainder of the season, Franklin should have a very good chance to finish as one of the NFL's leading tacklers by year's end. His next…read more

    Published: Tue, Nov 15 at 6:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Modest outing in loss

    Franklin recorded eight tackles (six solo) and a pass defended in Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Commanders.

    Analysis: Franklin tied his second-fewest tackles in a game during this contest, and he has already doubled his previous career high in tackles so far in 2022. While fellow linebacker Shaquille Leonard did return from a back injury that kept him sidelined over the previous three games, Franklin should still finish as one of the league's top tacklers by the end of the season.

    Published: Tue, Nov 1 at 7:08pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Seven tackles in loss

    Franklin recorded seven tackles (four solo), including one for loss, in Sunday's 19-10 defeat against the Titans.

    Analysis: Franklin logged a season low in tackles despite finishing third on the team in this category behind Grover Stewart and Bobby Okereke against Tennessee. The 6-foot Franklin has now played every defensive snap over the first seven games of the season for the Colts, recording 73 stops and two passes defended while doing so.

    Published: Mon, Oct 24 at 8:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Another double-digit tackle game

    Franklin registered 12 tackles (seven solo), including one for loss, during Sunday's 34-27 win over the Jaguars.

    Analysis: Franklin notched his fourth double-digit tackle outing over his last five appearances and finished second on the team in tackles behind Bobby Okereke. Across six appearances, Franklin has recorded 66 stops and two pass defenses. As long as Shaquille Leonard (nose) remains sidelined, expect Okereke and Franklin to continue piling up stops.

    Published: Tue, Oct 18 at 8:58am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Compiles nine tackles in victory

    Franklin made nine tackles while deflecting a pass in Thursday's 12-9 overtime win versus the Broncos.

    Analysis: Franklin played 100 percent of the defensive snaps again Thursday, failing to miss a play for the fifth consecutive game to open the season. The 26-year-old has a team-high 54 tackles while deflecting two passes over the first five contests of the year. With Shaquille Leonard (back/concussion) still banged up, Franklin could be in for a similar workload in Week 6 against the Jaguars.

    Published: Mon, Oct 10 at 9:01am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Career-high 15 tackles Sunday

    Franklin recorded 15 tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Titans.

    Analysis: Franklin has recorded at least 10 tackles in three straight games and notched a career-high 15 stops during the team's Week 4 loss. Across four appearances, the fifth-year linebacker already has more tackles this season (45) than he's had in any of his previous four campaigns. As long as Shaquille Leonard (back/concussion) remains out, look for Franklin to continue garnering a major role in the middle of the Colts defense.

    Published: Tue, Oct 4 at 8:11am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Team-high 12 stops in win

    Franklin notched 12 tackles (eight solo), including one for loss, and one pass defense during Sunday's 20-17 win over the Chiefs.

    Analysis: Franklin has recorded back-to-back games with double-digit tackles, giving him 30 stops through three games. As long as Shaquille Leonard (back) remains out, Franklin figures to have a major role in the Colts' defense.

    Published: Tue, Sep 27 at 8:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Plays every snap

    Franklin recorded 10 tackles (eight solo) in the Colts' 24-0 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.

    Analysis: Franklin's 10 total tackles were the most he's had since his rookie season, while his eight solo stops were a career high. The fifth-year-pro also played every snap on defense for the second straight week. He may be in the midst of a breakout campaign, but when Shaquille Leonard (back) returns, Franklin's workload may lessen. Franklin will look to keep up the production Week 3 against the Chiefs.

    Published: Tue, Sep 20 at 6:24pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Re-signs with Indianapolis

    Franklin agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with the Colts on Tuesday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Franklin appeared in 17 games for the Colts last season and totaled 40 tackles (21 solo), two pass deflections and one interception. He figures to garner a similar role alongside Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke during the 2022 campaign.

    Published: Tue, Mar 15 at 1:59pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Off COVID list

    Franklin was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

    Analysis: Franklin was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week, but he managed two negative PCR tests 24 hours apart to suit up for Saturday's matchup. The 2018 seventh-round pick has yet to record more than 25 defensive snaps in any game this season.

    Published: Sat, Dec 18 at 2:41pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Tests positive for COVID-19

    Franklin was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.

    Analysis: Franklin said during training camp that he's fully vaccinated, so his placement on the COVID-19 list signals that he's tested positive for the virus, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports. If Franklin submits two negative PCR tests 24 hours apart, the linebacker will be able to suit up for Saturday's game against New England.

    Published: Mon, Dec 13 at 1:53pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Just one tackle Sunday

    Franklin started at weak-side linebacker and had one total tackle in Sunday's loss at Seattle.

    Analysis: Franklin won a starting linebacker role in the preseason, but played just on 17 of the defense's 54 snaps. He came off the field in nickel and dime packages, which limits his fantasy upside.

    Published: Tue, Sep 14 at 1:01pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets reps as starting linebacker

    Franklin took the initial snaps as the starting strong-side linebacker in the team's recent voluntary offseason workouts being held at team headquarters, Stephen Holder of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Bobby Okereke looks set to be the starting middle linebacker this season with the departure of Anthony Walker in free agency, while Franklin will compete for the strong-side role. Franklin mostly worked in a reserve role last season, but he impressed against the run. He struggled against the pass by allowing 14 receptions on 16 targets, according to Pro Football Focus, so he could come off the field in nickel and dime formations.

    Published: Fri, May 28 at 8:04am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Limited to special teams

    Franklin had a tackle on special teams and did not play a snap on defense in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville.

    Analysis: Franklin will have a reserve role on defense and get most of his playing time on special teams.

    Published: Mon, Sep 14 at 3:16pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
NFL Fantasy

Videos

Zaire Franklin
LB #44 IND | Manager: FA
< Back
Continuous Play: